Memory cell with resistance-switching layers including breakdown layer

ABSTRACT

A memory device in a 3-D read and write memory includes memory cells. Each memory cell includes a resistance-switching memory element (RSME) in series with a steering element. The RSME has a resistance-switching layer, a conductive intermediate layer, and first and second electrodes at either end of the RSME. A breakdown layer is electrically between, and in series with, the second electrode and the intermediate layer. The breakdown layer maintains a resistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductive state. In a set or reset operation of the memory cell, an ionic current flows in the resistance-switching layers, contributing to a switching mechanism. An electron flow, which does not contribute to the switching mechanism, is reduced due to scattering by the conductive intermediate layer, to avoid damage to the steering element. Particular materials and combinations of materials for the different layers of the RSME are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional pat. app. No.61/356,327, filed Jun. 18, 2010, and U.S. provisional pat. app. No.61/467,936, filed Mar. 25, 2011 , both of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates to data storage.

A variety of materials show reversible resistance-change orresistance-switching behavior in which the resistance of the material isa function of the history of the current through, and/or voltage across,the material. These materials include chalcogenides, carbon polymers,perovskites, and certain metal oxides (MeOx) and metal nitrides (MeN).Specifically, there are metal oxides and nitrides which include only onemetal and exhibit reliable resistance switching behavior. This groupincludes, for example, Nickel Oxide (NiO), Niobium Oxide (Nb2O5),Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Hafnium Oxide (HfO2) Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3),Magnesium Oxide (MgOx), Chromium Dioxide (CrO2), Vanadium Oxide (VO),Boron Nitride (BN), and Aluminum Nitride (AlN), as described by Pagniaand Sotnick in “Bistable Switching in ElectroformedMetal-Insulator-Metal Device,” Phys. Stat. Sol. (A) 108, 11-65 (1988). Aresistance-switching layer (RSL) of one of these materials may be formedin an initial state, for example, a relatively low-resistance state.Upon application of sufficient voltage, the material switches to astable high-resistance state which is maintained even after the voltageis removed. This resistance switching is reversible such that subsequentapplication of an appropriate current or voltage can serve to return theRSL to a stable low-resistance state which is maintained even after thevoltage or current is removed. This conversion can be repeated manytimes. For some materials, the initial state is high-resistance ratherthan low-resistance. A set process may refer to switching the materialfrom high to low resistance, while a reset process may refer toswitching the material from low to high resistance. Aresistance-switching memory element (RSME) can include a RSL positionedbetween first and second electrodes.

These reversible resistance-change materials are of interest for use innonvolatile memory arrays. One resistance state may correspond to a data“0,” for example, while the other resistance state corresponds to a data“1.” Some of these materials may have more than two stable resistancestates. Moreover, in a memory cell, the RSME can be in series with asteering element such as a diode, which selectively limits the voltageacross, and/or the current flow through, the RSME. For example, a diodecan allow current to flow in only one direction of the RSME whileessentially preventing a current flow in the opposite direction. Such asteering element itself is not typically a resistance-change material.Instead, the steering element allows a memory cell to be written to,and/or read from, without affecting the state of other memory cells inan array.

Non-volatile memories that have storage elements or cells formed fromresistance-change materials are known. For example, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2006/0250836, titled “Rewriteable MemoryCell Comprising A Diode And A Resistance-Switching Material,”incorporated herein by reference, describes a rewriteable non-volatilememory cell that includes a diode coupled in series with aresistance-change material such as a MeOx or MeN.

However, there is a continuing need for technologies which allow memorycells to be scaled down in size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of a memorycell which includes a RSME in series with a steering element.

FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of a first memorylevel formed from a plurality of the memory cells of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of athree-dimensional memory array formed from a plurality of the memorycells of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of athree-dimensional memory array formed from a plurality of the memorycells of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a memory system.

FIG. 4A is a graph depicting I-V characteristics of an example unipolarRSL.

FIG. 4B is a graph depicting different I-V characteristics of twoexample unipolar RSLs.

FIG. 4C is a graph depicting I-V characteristics of another exampleunipolar RSL.

FIG. 4D is a graph depicting I-V characteristics of an example bipolarRSL.

FIG. 4E is a graph depicting I-V characteristics of another examplebipolar RSL.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a circuit for reading the state of amemory cell.

FIG. 6A depicts an example memory cell having a RSME and a steeringelement (SE) below the RSME.

FIG. 6B depicts an alternative configuration of a memory cell having aRSME, where the steering element (SE) is above the RSME.

FIG. 6C depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A as amirror resistive switch (MRS) in a vertical stack.

FIG. 6D depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A usingmultiple intermediate layers (ILs) between RSLs.

FIG. 6E depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A using arepeating RSL/IL pattern.

FIG. 6F depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A whereeach layer of the RSME extends horizontally and one or more of thelayers are arranged end-to-end.

FIG. 6G depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhere each layer of the RSME extends horizontally and one or more of thelayers are arranged end-to-end.

FIG. 6H depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhere each layer of the RSME extends vertically.

FIG. 6I depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhich includes L-shaped portions for RSL1, IL, RSL2 and E2.

FIG. 6J depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhich includes U-shaped portions for RSL1, IL, RSL2 and E2.

FIG. 6K1 depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A whichuses one RSL and one breakdown layer, below the RSL.

FIG. 6K2 is a graph showing a transition from an initial state to abreakdown state for a breakdown layer.

FIG. 6K3 is a graph showing an I-V characteristic of a breakdown layerin an initial state (solid line) and in a breakdown state (dashed line).

FIG. 6L depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A whichuses one RSL and one breakdown layer, above the RSL.

FIG. 6M depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A, inwhich the RSLs are of different types.

FIG. 7A depicts an example implementation of the steering element (SE)of the memory cell FIG. 6A as an Si diode.

FIG. 7B depicts an example implementation of the steering element (SE)of the memory cell of FIG. 6A as a punch-through diode.

FIG. 8 depicts an example implementation of the memory cell of FIG. 6Aconnected between a bit line and a word line.

FIG. 9A depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in which E1 is madeof Co, CoSi, n+Si, p+Si or p+SiC, and E2 is made of n+Si.

FIG. 9B depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in which E1 and theIL are made of p+SiC, and E2 is made of n+Si, n+SiC or p+SiC.

FIG. 9C is a diagram depicting the Fermi level of p+SiC relative toother materials.

FIG. 10A depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C describingalternative IL materials.

FIG. 10B depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an inverted,mirror stack configuration.

FIG. 10C depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an asymmetric,upright stack configuration.

FIG. 10D depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6A in an asymmetric,inverted stack configuration.

FIG. 11A depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C showing the growthof SiOx when E2 is n+Si.

FIG. 11B depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C showing the growthof a low band gap material such as TiOx when E2 is TiN.

FIG. 11C depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in which the RSLsare made of a doped metal oxide to reduce operating voltage.

FIG. 11D depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 11C in which E2 isTiN instead of n+Si.

FIG. 11E depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an asymmetricmirror cell configuration, where the RSLs are made of differentmaterials.

FIG. 11F depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an asymmetricmirror cell configuration which is SiOx-free.

FIG. 12 depicts an energy diagram of the RSME of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 13 depicts application of a high electric field in a set process ofa RSL.

FIGS. 14A-14D depict different stages in the formation of a conductivefilament in a set process of a RSL.

FIGS. 14E, 14F and 14G are energy diagrams which describe the setprocess stages of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14D, respectively.

FIGS. 15A-15C depict different stages in the removal of a conductivefilament in a reset process of a RSL.

FIGS. 15D, 15E and 15F are energy diagrams which describe the resetprocess stages of FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, respectively.

FIG. 16A depicts a set process for the RSME of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 16B depicts a reset process for the RSME of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A memory system is provided that includes reversibleresistivity-switching memory elements (RSME) having two or moreresistance-switching layers (RSLs). In an example implementation, theRSME includes, in series, a first electrode (E1), a firstresistance-switching layer (RSL1), an intermediate layer (IL), which isconsidered to be a scattering layer or coupling electrode, a second RSL(RSL2) and a second electrode (E2). In one approach, the RSME has amirror configuration, in which the RSME configuration is symmetrical oneither side of the IL. However, such a mirror configuration is notrequired.

Generally, as RSME-based memory devices are scaled down in size, adisadvantage is that a ballistic current flow during a set or resetprocess of the RSME can damage an associated steering element which isin series with the RSME or even prevent the operation of the memory cellat very reduced dimensions. Also generally, a plethora of RSL-basedmemory devices need a forming step during which the initially insulatingproperties of the RSL are broken down. This forming step is usuallyassociated with a very short and very high discharge current peak, whichcan set the on-resistance level of the RSL for subsequent switchingevents. If the on-resistance level is very low (e.g., 100-30 kΩ), theassociated switching currents are also very high and as a consequence,the memory cell would not be operable at very small technology nodes. Aset or reset process is a type of resistance-switching operation for aRSL and RSME. To solve this problem, an RSME is provided which includesseparate RSLs on either side of a conductive IL.

In particular, a memory cell which includes a RSME as provided hereincan limit ballistic current overshoot by actively reducing the operatingcurrents. A thin IL such as TiN can prevent the current overshoot andcan limit the current flow, whereby it is easier to create a largeelectric field across the individual RSL. Due to the reduced current,the likelihood of damaging a steering element of the cell is reduced,and a thinner steering element can be used, facilitating the scalingdown of the memory device and possibly reducing power consumption. Theswitching ability of the cell is maintained as an ionic current is stillallowed.

The RSME is based on a qualitative model for an individual RSL whichdescribes a number of findings, including: a switching current based onelectron/hole and ion conduction, exponential E-field dependence of theionic current, and the measured current is a ballistic current withoutuse for the switching mechanism. Specifically, the qualitative modeldescribes: (i) an avalanche-type set-current increase, (ii) why it isdifficult to limit the set state to a high on-resistance state, (iii)sensitivity of cycling yield to the set process, (iv) why reset voltagecan be higher than set voltage, (v) why higher reset voltage is neededfor deeper reset, and (vi) why reset current is higher for deeper reset.The model of ballistic current may also be applicable to any other“thin” storage material/ionic memories such as TiSi, CBRAM(conductive-bridge RAM). For a RSL of MeOx, the findings also indicatethat the electron/hole current does not contribute to the switchingeffect, but travels ballistically in the MeOx, delivering heat only tothe contacts, and that this is different than thicker carbon or phasechange materials, where this current generates heat in the memory cell,if the cell is long enough.

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of aresistance-switching memory cell (RSMC) 100 which includes a RSME 102coupled in series with a steering element 104 between a first conductor106 and a second conductor 108.

The RSME 102 includes RSLs 130 and 135 on either side of a conductiveintermediate layer (IL) 133. As mentioned, a RSL has a resistivity thatmay be reversibly switched between two or more states. For example, aRSL may be in an initial high-resistivity (high resistance) state uponfabrication that is switchable to a low-resistivity state uponapplication of a first voltage and/or current. Application of a secondvoltage and/or current may return the RSL to the high-resistivity state.Alternatively, the RSL may be in an initial low-resistance state uponfabrication that is reversibly switchable to a high-resistance stateupon application of the appropriate voltage(s) and/or current(s). Whenused in a memory cell, one resistance state for each RSL (and acorresponding resistance state of the RSME) may represent a binary “0”of the RSME while another resistance state for each RSL (and acorresponding resistance state of the RSME) may represent a binary “1”of the RSME. However, more than two data/resistance states may be used.Numerous reversible resistance-change materials and operation of memorycells employing reversible resistance-change materials are described,for example, in the above-mentioned U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2006/0250836.

In one embodiment, the process of switching the RSME from thehigh-resistivity state (representing, e.g., binary data “0”) to thelow-resistivity state (representing, e.g., binary data “1”) is referredto as setting or forming, and the process of switching the RSME from thelow-resistivity state to the high-resistivity state is referred to asresetting. In other embodiments, setting and resetting and/or the dataencoding can be reversed. The set or reset process can be performed fora memory cell to program it to a desired state to represent binary data.

In some embodiments, the RSLs 130 and 135 may be formed from metal oxide(MeOx), one example of which is HfO2.

More information about fabricating a memory cell using reversibleresistance-change material can be found in US 2009/0001343, publishedJan. 1, 2009, titled “Memory Cell That Employs a Selectively DepositedReversible Resistance Switching Element and Methods of Forming TheSame,” and incorporated herein by reference.

The RSME 102 includes electrodes 132 and 134. Electrode 132 ispositioned between the RSL 130 and a conductor 108 such as a bit line orword line (control line). In one embodiment, electrode 132 is made oftitanium (Ti) or titanium nitride (TiN). Electrode 134 is positionedbetween the RSL 133 and a steering element 104. In one embodiment,electrode 134 is made of Titanium Nitride (TiN), and serves as anadhesion and barrier layer.

Steering element 104 can be a diode, or other suitable steering elementthat exhibits non-ohmic conduction by selectively limiting the voltageacross and/or the current flow through the RSME 102. In one approach,the steering element allows current to flow through the RSME in only onedirection, e.g., from the bit line to the word line. In anotherapproach, a steering element such as a punch-through diode allowscurrent to flow through the RSME in either direction.

The steering element acts as a one-way valve, conducting current moreeasily in one direction than in the other. Below a critical “turn-on”voltage in the forward direction, the diode conducts little or nocurrent. By use of appropriate biasing schemes, when an individual RSMEis selected for programming, the diodes of neighboring RSMEs can serveto electrically isolate the neighboring RSMEs and thus preventinadvertent resistance switching, so long as the voltage across theneighboring RSMEs does not exceed the turn-on voltage of the diode whenapplied in the forward direction, or the reverse breakdown voltage whenapplied in the reverse direction. neighboring RSMEs.

Specifically, in a large cross-point array of RSMEs, when relativelylarge voltage or current is required, there is a danger that RSMEs thatshare the top or the bottom conductor (e.g., word line or bit line) withthe RSME to be addressed will be exposed to sufficient voltage orcurrent to cause undesired resistance switching. Depending on thebiasing scheme used, excessive leakage current across unselected cellsmay also be a concern. The use of a diode or other steering element canovercome this danger.

In this manner, the memory cell 100 may be used as part of a two- orthree-dimensional memory array and data may be written to and/or readfrom the memory cell 100 without affecting the state of other memorycells in the array. Steering element 104 may include any suitable diodesuch as a vertical polycrystalline p−n or p−i−n diode, whether upwardpointing with an n−region above a p−region of the diode or downwardpointing with a p−region above an n−region of the diode. Or, even apunch-through diode or a Zener diode, which are operable in bothdirections, can be used. The steering element and the RSME together canbe in the shape of a vertical pillar. In other approaches, portions ofthe RSME are arranged laterally of one another, as discussed furtherbelow.

In some embodiments, steering element 104 may be formed from apolycrystalline semiconductor material such as polysilicon, apolycrystalline silicon-germanium alloy, polygermanium or any othersuitable material. For example, the steering element 104 may include aheavily doped n+polysilicon region 142, a lightly doped or an intrinsic(unintentionally doped) polysilicon region 144 above the n+polysiliconregion 142, and a heavily doped p+polysilicon region 146 above theintrinsic region 144. In some embodiments, a thin (e.g., a few hundredangstroms or less) germanium and/or silicon-germanium alloy layer (notshown), with about 10% or more of germanium when using asilicon-germanium alloy layer, may be formed on the n+polysilicon region142 to prevent and/or reduce dopant migration from the n+polysiliconregion 142 into the intrinsic region 144, as described, for example, inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0087005, titled “DepositedSemiconductor Structure To Minimize N-Type Dopant Diffusion And MethodOf Making,” incorporated herein by reference. It will be understood thatthe locations of the n+ and p+regions may be reversed.

When steering element 104 is fabricated from deposited silicon (e.g.,amorphous or polycrystalline), a silicide layer may be formed on thediode to place the deposited silicon in a low resistivity state, asfabricated. Such a low resistivity state allows for easier programmingof the memory cell as a large voltage is not required to switch thedeposited silicon to a low resistivity state.

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,176,064, “Memory Cell Comprising aSemiconductor Junction Diode Crystallized Adjacent to a Silicide,”incorporated herein by reference, silicide-forming materials such astitanium and/or cobalt react with deposited silicon during annealing toform a silicide layer. The lattice spacing of titanium silicide andcobalt silicide are close to that of silicon, and it appears that suchsilicide layers may serve as “crystallization templates” or “seeds” foradjacent deposited silicon as the deposited silicon crystallizes (e.g.,the silicide layer enhances the crystalline structure of the silicondiode during annealing). Lower resistivity silicon thereby is provided.Similar results may be achieved for silicon-germanium alloy and/orgermanium diodes.

Conductors 106 and 108 include any suitable conductive material such astungsten, any appropriate metal, heavily doped semiconductor material, aconductive silicide, a conductive silicide-germanide, a conductivegermanide, or the like. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, conductors 106 and108 are rail-shaped and extend in different directions (e.g.,substantially perpendicular to one another). Other conductor shapesand/or configurations may be used. In some embodiments, barrier layers,adhesion layers, antireflection coatings and/or the like (not shown) maybe used with conductors 106 and 108 to improve device performance and/oraid in device fabrication. The conductors 106 may be a word line whilethe conductor 108 is a bit line, or vice-versa.

While the RSME 102 is shown as being positioned above the steeringelement 104 in FIG. 1, it will be understood that in alternativeembodiments, the RSME 102 may be positioned below the steering element104. Various other configurations are possible as well. An RSL canexhibit unipolar or bipolar resistance-switching characteristics. With aunipolar resistance-switching characteristic, the voltages used for bothset and reset processes are of the same polarity, i.e., either bothpositive or both negative. In contrast, with a bipolarresistance-switching characteristic, opposite polarity voltages are usedfor the set and reset processes. Specifically, the voltage used for theset process can be positive while the voltage used for the reset processis negative, or the voltage used for the set process can be negativewhile the voltage used for the reset process is positive.

FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of a first memorylevel 114 formed from a plurality of the memory cells 100 of FIG. 1. Forsimplicity, the RSME 102, the steering element 104, and barrier layer113 are not separately shown. The memory array 114 is a “cross-point”array including a plurality of bit lines (second conductors 108) andword lines (first conductors 106) to which multiple memory cells arecoupled (as shown). Other memory array configurations may be used, asmay multiple levels of memory.

FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of a monolithicthree-dimensional array 116 that includes a first memory level 118positioned below a second memory level 120. In the embodiment of FIG. 3,each memory level 118 and 120 includes a plurality of memory cells 100in a cross-point array. It will be understood that additional layers(e.g., an inter-level dielectric) may be present between the first andsecond memory levels 118 and 120, but are not shown in FIG. 2B forsimplicity. Other memory array configurations may be used, as mayadditional levels of memory. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, all diodesmay “point” in the same direction, such as upward or downward dependingon whether p−i−n diodes having a p-doped region on the bottom or top ofthe diode are employed, simplifying diode fabrication.

In some embodiments, the memory levels may be formed as described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,952,030, “High-Density Three-Dimensional Memory Cell,”incorporated herein by reference. For instance, the upper conductors ofa first memory level may be used as the lower conductors of a secondmemory level that is positioned above the first memory level as shown inFIG. 2C. In such embodiments, the diodes on adjacent memory levelspreferably point in opposite directions, as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,586,773, titled “Large Array Of Upward Pointing P−I−N Diodes HavingLarge And Uniform Current,” incorporated herein by reference. Forexample, the diodes of the first memory level 118 may be upward pointingdiodes as indicated by arrow A1 (e.g., with p regions at the bottom ofthe diodes), while the diodes of the second memory level 120 may bedownward pointing diodes as indicated by arrow A2 (e.g., with n regionsat the bottom of the diodes), or vice versa.

A monolithic three-dimensional memory array is one in which multiplememory levels are formed above a single substrate, such as a wafer, withno intervening substrates. The layers forming one memory level aredeposited or grown directly over the layers of an existing level orlevels. In contrast, stacked memories have been constructed by formingmemory levels on separate substrates and adhering the memory levels atopeach other, as in Leedy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,167, “Three DimensionalStructure Memory,” incorporated herein by reference. The substrates maybe thinned or removed from the memory levels before bonding, but as thememory levels are initially formed over separate substrates, suchmemories are not true monolithic three-dimensional memory arrays.

The above examples show memory cells in a cylindrical or pillar shapeand conductors in the shapes of rails according to the disclosedarrangements. However, the technology described herein is not limited toany one specific structure for a memory cell. Other structures can alsobe used to form memory cells that include RSMEs. For example, U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,952,043, 6,951,780, 6,034,882, 6,420,215, 6,525,953 and7,081,377, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, provideexamples of structures of memory cells that can be adapted to use RSMEs.Additionally, other types of memory cells can also be used with thetechniques described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that depicts one example of a memory system300 that can implement the technology described herein. Memory system300 includes a memory array 302 that can be a two- or three-dimensionalarray of memory cells as described above. In one embodiment, memoryarray 302 is a monolithic three-dimensional memory array. The arrayterminal lines of memory array 302 include the various layer(s) of wordlines organized as rows, and the various layer(s) of bit lines organizedas columns. However, other orientations can also be implemented.

Memory system 300 includes row control circuitry 320, whose outputs 308are connected to respective word lines of the memory array 302. Rowcontrol circuitry 320 receives a group of M row address signals and oneor more various control signals from system control logic circuit 330,and typically may include such circuits as row decoders 322, arrayterminal drivers 324, and block select circuitry 326 for both read andprogramming (e.g., set and reset) operations. Memory system 300 alsoincludes column control circuitry 310 whose input/outputs 306 areconnected to respective bit lines of the memory array 302. Columncontrol circuitry 306 receives a group of N column address signals andone or more various control signals from system control logic 330, andtypically may include such circuits as column decoders 312, arrayterminal receivers or drivers 314, block select circuitry 316, as wellas read/write circuitry, including sense amps 318, and I/O multiplexers.System control logic 330 receives data and commands from a host andprovides output data to the host. In other embodiments, system controllogic 330 receives data and commands from a separate controller circuitand provides output data to that controller circuit, with the controllercircuit communicating with the host. System control logic 330 mayinclude one or more state machines, registers and other control logicfor controlling the operation of memory system 300. For example, writecircuitry 460, read circuitry 461 and clamp control circuitry 464,discussed further below, may be provided.

In one embodiment, all of the components depicted in FIG. 3 are arrangedon a single integrated circuit. For example, system control logic 330,column control circuitry 310 and row control circuitry 320 can be formedon the surface of a substrate and memory array 302 in a monolithicthree-dimensional memory array formed above the substrate (and,therefore, above system control logic 330, column control circuitry 310and row control circuitry 320). In some cases, a portion of the controlcircuitry can be formed on the same layers as some of the memory array.

Integrated circuits incorporating a memory array usually subdivide thearray into a number of sub-arrays or blocks. Blocks can be furthergrouped together into bays that contain, for example, 16, 32, or adifferent number of blocks. As frequently used, a sub-array is acontiguous group of memory cells having contiguous word and bit linesgenerally unbroken by decoders, drivers, sense amplifiers, andinput/output circuits. This is done for any of a variety of reasons. Forexample, the signal delays traversing down word lines and bit lineswhich arise from the resistance and the capacitance of such lines (i.e.,the RC delays) may be very significant in a large array. These RC delaysmay be reduced by subdividing a larger array into a group of smallersub-arrays so that the length of each word line and/or each bit line isreduced. As another example, the power associated with accessing a groupof memory cells may dictate an upper limit to the number of memory cellswhich may be accessed simultaneously during a given memory cycle.Consequently, a large memory array is frequently subdivided into smallersub-arrays to decrease the number of memory cells which aresimultaneously accessed. Nonetheless, for ease of description, an arraymay also be used synonymously with sub-array to refer to a contiguousgroup of memory cells having contiguous word and bit lines generallyunbroken by decoders, drivers, sense amplifiers, and input/outputcircuits. An integrated circuit may include one or more than one memoryarray.

As described above, RSME 102 may be reversibly switched between two ormore states by reversibly switching each of its RSLs. For example, theRSME may be in an initial, high-resistivity state upon fabrication thatis switchable to a low-resistivity state upon application of a firstvoltage and/or current. Application of a second voltage and/or currentmay return the RSME to a high-resistivity state. The memory system 300can used with any RSME described herein.

FIG. 4A is a graph of voltage versus current for an example embodimentof a unipolar RSL. The x-axis depicts an absolute value of voltage, they-axis depicts current and the lines are adjusted to meet at the originof the graph. In the set process, line 404 represents the I-Vcharacteristic of the RSL when in the high-resistivity, reset state, andline 406 represents a transition to the low-resistivity, set state atVset. In the reset process, line 400 represents the I-V characteristicof the RSL when in the low-resistivity, set state, and line 402represents a transition to the high-resistivity, reset state at Vreset.The example shows a unipolar operation mode where the polarity of thevoltage is the same for the both the set and reset switching.

To determine the RSL's state, a voltage can be applied across the RSLand the resulting current is measured. A higher or lower measuredcurrent indicates that the RSL is in the low- or high-resistivity state,respectively. In some cases, the high resistivity state is substantiallyhigher, e.g., two or three orders of magnitude (100-1,000) times higherthan the low resistivity state. Note that other variations of a RSLhaving different I-V characteristics can also be used with thetechnology herein.

When in the reset state, the RSME exhibits the resistancecharacteristics shown by line 404 in response an applied voltage between0 and Vset. When in the set state, however, the RSME exhibits theresistance characteristics shown by line 400 in response an appliedvoltage between 0 and Vreset, where Vreset<Vset. Thus, the RSME thusexhibits different resistance characteristics in response to the samevoltages in the same voltage range (e.g., between 0 and Vreset)depending on the resistance state of the RSME. In a read operation, afixed voltage Vread<Vreset can be applied, in response to which thesensed current is Ia in the set state or Ib in the reset state. Thestate of an RSL or RSME can thus be sensed by identifying at least onepoint of its I-V characteristic.

The RSME can include multiple RSLs which each exhibit a substantiallysimilar unipolar switching characteristic, in one approach.

FIG. 4B is a graph depicting different I-V characteristics of twoexample unipolar RSLs. For two or more unipolar RSLs, the I-V(current-voltage) characteristics can be substantially the same, so thatI increases with V at a common rate, and the set and/or reset levels canbe substantially the same, for instance. Or, the I-V characteristics ofthe RSLs can differ such that, e.g., I increases with V more quickly forone of the RSLs, or the set and/or reset levels can be different. Inthis example, “A” denotes a first type of RSL and “B” denotes a secondtype of RSL, where the RSLs have different unipolar resistance-switchingcharacteristics. The x-axis depicts voltage (V) and the y-axis depictscurrent (I). For the type “A” RSL, lines 400, 402, 404 and 406 are thesame as in FIG. 4A. Also for the type “A” RSL, VsetA is the set voltage,VresetA is the reset voltage, IresetA is the reset current andIset_limitA is the current set limit. For the type “B” RSL, lines 420,422, 424 and 426 correspond to lines 400, 402, 404 and 406,respectively. Also for the type “B” RSL, VsetB is the set voltage,VresetB is the reset voltage, IresetB is the reset current andIset_limitB is the current set limit. In the approach shown here,VsetA>VsetB, VresetA>VresetB, IresetA>IresetB andIset_limitA>Iset_limitB, but this is only an example and other,alternative relations may apply.

When two or more RSLs are in the same RSME, the switching characteristicof the RSME will be a function of the switching characteristic of eachof the RSLs. During a set process, for example, as V is increased, thetype “B” RSL could switch before the type “A” RSL, if the voltage wassplit equally across each RSL. Similarly, during a reset process, forexample, as V is increased, the type “B” RSL could switch before thetype “A” RSL, assuming the same voltage is applied in each RSL.

It is alternatively possible for the type “A” and “B” RSLs to havedifferent I-V characteristics of opposite polarity. For example, wecould have VsetA>0 V and VresetA>0 V, while VsetB<0 V and VresetB<0 V.As an example, the characteristic of the type “A” RSL can be asdescribed in FIG. 4A while the characteristic of the type “B” RSL can beas described in FIG. 4C, below. It is also possible, in theory, for oneRSL in a RSME to have a unipolar characteristic while another RSL in theRSME has a bipolar characteristic. However, using only one kind ofswitching characteristic (unipolar or bipolar) among all RSLs in a RSMEcan allow for a simplified control scheme.

In some cases, a read out of an RSME switches the data state of one ofthe RSLs. For example, with a first RSL in the low resistance state anda second RSL in the high resistance state, a read operation would detectessentially no current, assuming the high resistance state was orders ofmagnitude higher than the low resistance state. That is, the resistanceof the RSME, equal to the sum of the resistance of each RSL, would bevery high, so the current would be very low or essentially zero. A readoperation could switch the second RSL to the low resistance state, sothat the resistance of the RSME was low, and the current through it isrelatively high and detectable. A write back operation could beperformed next to switch the second RSL back to the high resistancestate.

When a voltage is applied across the electrodes of an RSME, it will bedivided across each RSL according in proportion to each RSL'sresistance. When the first RSL is in the low resistance state and thesecond RSL is in the high resistance state, the first RSL will transferthe potential at the electrode to the IL, so that substantially all ofthe voltage is applied across the second RSL. This voltage will switchthe second RSL if it is of the appropriate magnitude and polarity.

Moreover, an RSL can use a material that can be operated as a unipolaror bipolar device, such as described in Sun et al., “Coexistence of thebipolar and unipolar resistive switching behaviours in Au/SrTiO3/Ptcells,” J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 44, 125404, Mar. 10, 2011, incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 4C is a graph depicting I-V characteristics of another exampleunipolar RSL. Compared to the characteristic of FIG. 4A, negativevoltages are used instead of positive during the set and resetprocesses. In the set process, line 434 represents the I-Vcharacteristic of the RSL when in the high-resistivity, reset state, andline 436 represents a transition to the low-resistivity, set state atVset. In the reset process, line 430 represents the I-V characteristicof the RSL when in the low-resistivity, set state, and line 432represents a transition to the high-resistivity, reset state at Vreset.Vread, Vreset, Vset and Vf are all negative voltages. In a readoperation, a fixed voltage Vread>Vreset can be applied, in response towhich the sensed current is Ia in the set state or Ib in the resetstate.

FIG. 4D is a graph depicting I-V characteristics of an example bipolarRSL. Here, opposite polarity voltages are used for the set and resetprocesses. Moreover, positive voltages are used for the set process andnegative voltages are used for the reset process. In this bipolar RSL,the set process occurs when a positive voltage is applied, and the resetprocess occurs when a negative voltage is applied. In the set process,line 444 represents the I-V characteristic of the RSL when in thehigh-resistivity, reset state, and line 446 represents a transition tothe low-resistivity, set state at Vset. In the reset process, line 440represents the I-V characteristic of the RSL when in thelow-resistivity, set state, and line 442 represents a transition to thehigh-resistivity, reset state at Vreset. Vset and Vf are positivevoltages and Vreset is a negative voltage.

FIG. 4E is a graph depicting I-V characteristics of another examplebipolar RSL. In this bipolar RSL, the reset process occurs when apositive voltage is applied, and the set process occurs when a negativevoltage is applied. In the set process, line 454 represents the I-Vcharacteristic of the RSL when in the high-resistivity, reset state, andline 456 represents a transition to the low-resistivity, set state atVset. In the reset process, line 450 represents the I-V characteristicof the RSL when in the low-resistivity, set state, and line 452represents a transition to the high-resistivity, reset state at Vreset.Vset and Vf are positive voltages and Vreset is a negative voltage.

Although the Ireset level in FIG. 4D and FIG. 4C is higher than the Isetlevel, it should be emphasized that it can be the other way around. Thismeans that Iset level in FIG. 4D and FIG. 4C can be higher than theIreset level for the opposite polarity.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a circuit for reading the state of amemory cell. A portion of a memory array includes memory cells 550, 552,554 and 556. Two of the many bit lines and two of the many word linesare depicted. Bit line 559 is coupled to cells 550 and 554, and bit line557 is coupled to cells 552 and 556. Bit line 559 is the selected bitline and may be at 2 V, for instance. Bit line 557 is an unselected bitline and may be at ground, for instance. Word line 547 is the selectedword line and may be at 0 V, for instance. Word line 549 is anunselected word line and may be at 2 V, for instance.

A read circuit for one of the bit lines 559 is depicted to be connectedto the bit line via transistor 558, which is controlled by a gatevoltage supplied by column decoder 312 in order to select or unselectthe corresponding bit line. Transistor 558 connects the bit line to aData bus 563. Write circuit 560 (which is part of system control logic330) is connected to the Data bus. Transistor 562 connects to the Databus and operates as a clamp device that is controlled by clamp controlcircuit 564 (which is part of system control logic 330). Transistor 562is also connected to a sense amp 566, which includes a data latch 568.The output of sense amp 566 is connected to a data out terminal (tosystem control logic 330, a controller and/or a host). Write circuit 560is also connected to the sense amp 566 and the data latch 568.

When attempting to read the state of the RSME, all word lines are firstbiased at Vread (e.g., approximately 2 V) and all bit lines are atground. The selected word line is then pulled to ground. For example,this discussion will assume that memory cell 550 is selected forreading. One or more selected bit lines 559 are pulled to Vread throughthe data bus (by turning on transistor 558) and the clamp device(transistor 562, which receives ˜2 V+Vth, the threshold voltage of thetransistor 562). The clamp device's gate is above Vread but controlledto keep the bit line near Vread. In one approach, current is pulled bythe selected memory cell 550 through transistor 562 from a sense node inthe sense amp. The sense node can receive a reference current that isbetween a high-resistivity state current and a low-resistivity statecurrent. The sense node moves corresponding to the current differencebetween the cell current and the reference current. Sense amp 566generates a data out signal by comparing the sensed voltage to areference read voltage. If the memory cell current is larger than thereference current, the memory cell is in the low-resistivity state andthe voltage at the sense node will be lower than the reference voltage.If the memory cell current is smaller than the reference current, thememory cell is in the high-resistivity state and the voltage at thesense node will be higher than the reference voltage. The output datasignal from the sense amp 566 is latched in data latch 568.

Referring again to FIG. 4A, for example, while in the high-resistivitystate, if the voltage Vset and sufficient current is applied, the RSLwill be set to the low-resistivity state. Line 404 shows the behaviorwhen Vset is applied. The voltage will remain somewhat constant and thecurrent will increase toward Iset_limit. At some point, the RSL will beset and the device behavior will be based on line 406. Note that thefirst time the RSL is set, Vf (the forming voltage) is needed to set thedevice. After that, Vset is sufficient to set the device be used. Theforming voltage Vf may be greater than Vset in absolute magnitude.

While in the low-resistivity state (line 400), if Vreset and sufficientcurrent (Ireset) are applied, the RSL will be reset to thehigh-resistivity state. Line 400 shows the behavior when Vreset isapplied. At some point, the RSL will be reset and the device behaviorwill be based on line 402.

In one embodiment, Vset is approximately 7 V, Vreset is approximately 9V, Iset_limit is approximately 10 μA and Ireset could be as low as 100nA. These voltages and currents apply to the circuit of FIG. 5 where wehave a RSME and a diode in series.

FIGS. 6A-6M can be a cross-sectional view in a vertical or horizontalplane of an RSME, for instance.

FIG. 6A depicts an example memory cell having a RSME and a steeringelement (SE) below the RSME. The memory cell can have variousconfigurations. One configuration is a stacked configuration in whicheach type of material is provided in a layer, and each layer ispositioned beneath the layer above it and typically has a similarcross-sectional area. In another possible configuration, one or morelayers can be arranged end-to-end with one or more other layers (seeFIGS. 6F-6J).

Note that, in the figures, any two layers or materials which arepictured as being adjacent to one another may be in contact with oneanother. However, unless otherwise specified, this is not required, andany two layers or materials which are pictured as being adjacent to oneanother may be separated by one or more layers of other materials whichare not depicted. Additionally, in some cases, a material can be formedas a byproduct of fabrication, such as a SiOx layer which is formed onan Si layer. Such byproducts are not necessarily depicted in thefigures. Moreover, variations of the described implementations arepossible. For example, the order of layers in each implementation can bereversed so that the word line is on top and the bit line is on thebottom, for instance. One or more intermediate layers can be providedbetween each of the layers depicted. Also, the position of the steeringelement can be changed so that it is located above or below other layersincluding the RSLs. The orientation of the layers can be modified fromvertical to horizontal or any other orientation. Multiple layers orportions which can form a common conductive path are said to be seriallyconnected.

The memory cell includes a bit line contact (BLC) material such as W orNiSi, which is connected to a bit line of a memory device. The bit lineis a type of control line, so that the BLC is also a contact to a firstcontrol line. After the BLC in a serial path is a first adhesion layer(AL1) such as TiN which helps the BLC adhere to the RSME, as well asacting as a barrier. A TiN layer can be deposited by any conventionalmethod, such as sputtering. After the RSME in the serial path is asteering element (SE) such as a diode. The steering element allows asignal such as a voltage or current to be applied selectively to one ormore memory cells, via word lines and bit lines, to individually controlthe cells such as to change their respective data states by switchingtheir RSMEs. The resistance-switching behavior of the RSME isindependent of the SE. The SE could have a resistance-switching behavioritself; however, this behavior would be independent of theresistance-switching behavior of the RSME.

After the SE in the serial path is a second adhesion layer (AL2) such asTiN. After the AL2 in the serial path is a word line contact (WLC)material such as W or NiSi, which is connected to a word line of amemory device. The word line is a type of control line, so that the WLCis also a contact to a second control line. The depicted portions of thememory cell are arranged thus serially.

FIG. 6B depicts an alternative configuration of a memory cell having aRSME, where the steering element (SE) is above the RSME. The order ofthe other layers from top to bottom can be reversed as well, from bottomto top.

FIG. 6C depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A as amirror resistive switch (MRS) in a vertical stack. The RSME includes afirst electrode (E1), which is a top electrode in some configurations, afirst resistance-switching layer (RSL1) and a conductive intermediatelayer (IL), which acts as a scattering layer, coupling electrode orcoupling layer. The RSME also includes a second RSL (RSL2), and a secondelectrode (EL2), which is a bottom electrode in some configurations. TheRSLs can be reversible RSLs, for instance. A reversible RSL can beswitched from one state to another state and back to the one state. TheIL is electrically between, and in series with, E1 and E2. RSL1 iselectrically between, and in series with, E1 and IL. RSL2 iselectrically between, and in series with, E2 and IL. “Electricallybetween” or similar can mean in an electrically conductive path. Forexample, the IL can be electrically between E1 and E2 with or withoutbeing physically between E1 and E2.

For example, an RSME can be formed by connecting two bipolar memristor(memory-resistor) elements anti-serially into one mirror resistiveswitch (MRS). A memristor is a passive two-terminal circuit element inwhich the resistance is a function of the history of the current throughand voltage across the device. Such a MRS can be made of a firstmemristive element which includes an E1 such as n−type Silicon, RSL1,which can be a transition metal oxide such as Hafnium Oxide (HfO2) or anHafnium Silicon Oxynitride (HfSiON) and an IL, which can be anoxidizable electrode (such as TiN) which is capable of undergoing achemical reaction with oxygen.

The RSME includes a second memristive element which is made of the same(or different) materials, but in a reverse order, sharing the oxidizableelectrode of the IL. Moreover, the first and second memristive elementscan both have bipolar or unipolar I-V (current-voltage) characteristics,in one approach. In another approach, one of the memristive elements hasa unipolar characteristic and the other memristive element has a bipolarcharacteristic. By merging the two memristive elements to one RSME, theRSME has an I-V characteristic which is a superposition of the I-Vcharacteristics of the constituent memristive elements, but with theadditional benefit, that it is operating at much lower currents than theindividual memristive elements.

More generally, the RSME will have an I-V characteristic which is asuperposition of the I-V characteristics of the constituent RSLs, butenables operation at low currents.

The IL acts as a scattering layer by scattering electrons which enterthe IL from the RSLs, thereby slowing an electron flow which does notcontribute to the switching mechanism, to avoid damage to a steeringelement. Moreover, the IL acts as a coupling electrode or layer which iscapacitive coupled to a voltage which is applied to the RSME by settingpotentials of E1 and E2.

Through such scattering, the IL provides a resistance which reduces apeak current flow during a set or reset process while achieving a lowcurrent operation. The current limiting operation is believed tooriginate from two aspects of the IL layer. First, hot electrons arescattered very well in the IL layer by an electron-electron interaction.Second, as soon as one of the RSLs starts to break down and deliverexcess charge Q onto the IL, the applied voltage on the RSL iseffectively reduced by V=Q/C, where C is the capacitance of the IL layertowards the electrodes E1 and E2. At the same time, a higher voltage isnow at the second RSL, inducing a breakdown of the second RSL. Becausethe available amount of charge Q is limited, the current which can flowhere is also very limited. In this way, this RSME enables the operationof the memory cell at low currents. The resistance is believed to bebased on the ability of the IL to scatter electrons and give veryefficient negative feedback to the applied bias voltage so that smallconductive filaments are formed which allow switching to occur at lowcurrents. Without the IL, a filament with very low resistance would beformed when a voltage is applied, leading to a high current peak (due tothe relationship of I=V/R) in the memory cell and the required switchingcurrents would also be very high.

The RSME has a mirror configuration relative to the IL because thesequence of an RSL and an electrode extends on either side of the IL. Amirror configuration may also use the same material for the RSLs andelectrodes. The combination of E1, RSL1 and the IL forms a firstmemristive (memory-resistor) element, and the combination of E2, RSL2and the IL forms a second memristive element. The two memristiveelements can be bipolar memristor elements which are connectedanti-serially or serially into one mirror resistive switch (MRS).

In use, when a voltage is applied across E1 and E2, an electric field(E) is generated which is the voltage divided by the distance between E1and E2. The IL can float, which means it is not directly driven with avoltage/current signal and instead can be capacitively coupled to one ormore other electrodes (such as E1 and/or E2) which are directly drivenwith a voltage/current signal. Due to capacitive coupling, one portionof the voltage between E1 and E2 will be imposed from E1 to the couplinglayer and across RSL1, while another portion of the voltage between E1and E2 will be imposed from the coupling layer to E2 and across RSL2.The voltage is divided across each RSL in proportion to each RSL'sresistance.

Furthermore, the first memristor may have a first I-V characteristic,while the second memristor has a second I-V characteristic, so that theoverall I-V characteristic of the memory cell is a superposition of theI-V characteristics of the first and second memristors, but with theadditional benefit, that it is operating at much lower currents than theindividual memristive elements. In one approach, the I-V characteristicsof the first and second memristors differ but have the same polarity. Inanother approach, the I-V characteristics of the first and secondmemristors have opposite polarities. FIGS. 4A-4E, discussed previously,provide example I-V characteristics of a RSL.

The elements of the RSME can be provided in many possible configurationswhich are detailed further below. Example materials for E1 include n+Si(polysilicon), p+Si (polysilicon), TiN, TiSix, TiAlN, TiAl, W, WN, WSix,Co, CoSi, p+Si, Ni and NiSi. Example materials for RSL1 and RSL2 includemetallic materials such as MeOx and MeN. However, non-metallic materialscould also be used, as discussed in some of the embodiments herein. RSL1and RSL2 can be of the same type or of different types. A RSL could alsobe a phase change cell, carbon-based, carbon nanotube-based, nano-ionicmemory, conductive bridge, or a cell which changes its phase, spin,magnetic component, and so forth. The RSLs can have an on-resistance(conductive state resistance) in the MΩ range, e.g., 1-10 MΩ or more.This is in contrast to programmable metallization cells (PMCs) such as aconductive-bridging RAM, or CBRAM, which form quantum point contacts,and have a much lower resistance of about 25 KΩ or lower. The higherresistance provides a low current operation and better scalability.

Example materials for E2 include n+Si, n+SiC, p+SiC and p+Si(polysilicon), TiN, TiAlN, TiAl, W, WN Co, CoSi, p+Si, Ni and NiSi.Particular combinations of materials in the different layers can beadvantageous. Various configurations are discussed in further detailbelow.

Example materials for the IL include TiN, TiN, Al, Zr, La, Y, Ti, TiAlN,TixNy, TiAl alloy and p+SiC. The IL can thus be made of an oxidizablematerial (e.g., TiN, Al, Zr, La, Y, Ti) or a non-oxidizable material(e.g., TiAlN, TixNy, TiAl alloy and Carbon, including, e.g., graphene,amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon with different crystalstructures and p+SiC). Generally, the same material of E1 and E2 can beused for the IL layer. In some cases, one or more oxide layers areformed intentionally or un-intentionally, as a byproduct of thedeposition and formation step. For example, Si can be oxidized bydeposition of MeOx on top of the Si. Even TiN or other suggested metalsmight be oxidized on one side by MeOx deposition and can be oxidized atthe interface by an interfacial reaction of MeOx and TiN.

As mentioned, E1, E2 and the IL are made of a conductive material. Aconductive material can be characterized by its conductivity σ=1/ρ orits reciprocal, which is resistivity ρ=E/J. Conductivity is measured insiemens per meter (S/m), and resistivity is measured in ohm-meters (Ω-m)or Ω-cm. E is the magnitude of the electric field in V/m and J is themagnitude of the current density in A/m2. For an insulator, ρ>108Ω-cm orσ<10-8 S/cm. For a semiconductor, 10-3Ω-cm<ρ<108Ω-cm or 103 S/cm>σ>10-8S/cm. For a conductor, 10-3Ω-cm>ρ or 103 S/cm<σ. A semiconductor can bedistinguished from a conductor in that a semiconductor is typicallyformed by doping an insulator to be p−type or n−type semiconductor,while a conductor does not rely on doping. A semiconductor can also bedistinguished from a conductor in that a semiconductor allows current toflow based on the polarity of an applied voltage, so that current canstrongly flow in one direction but not the opposite direction. Thedirection in which a semiconductor allows a forward current to flowdepends on whether it is a p−type or n−type semiconductor. In contrast,a conductor allows current to flow equally well in either direction. Aconductive material is meant to include a semiconductor (asemiconductive material) and a conductor. A conductor may also bereferred to as a conductive material. A conductor has a higherconductivity than a semiconductor.

Note that the RSME does not rely on a high band-gap triple stack (arelatively high band gap material between layers of a relatively lowband gap material) since the IL is a conductive material which canreceived a coupling voltage.

FIG. 6D depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A usingmultiple ILs of different types between RSLs. Multiple adjacentintermediate layers are used, including a first IL (IL1) of type “1” anda second IL (IL2) of type “2.” An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe ILs can be of different types, which have different scatteringproperties and work functions, to provide an additional capability totailor the performance of the RSME. Moreover, the use of multiple ILs ofthe same or different types can increase scattering/resistance in thepath, thereby decreasing current flow since I=V/R. Multiple adjacent ILscan increase scattering, as can a thicker single IL. However, a thickerIL poses a scaling challenge in that, if the stack height increases, theaspect ratio for the pillar-etch increases. As a result, fabricationprocesses such as etching, cleaning and gap-fill become verychallenging. It may be preferable to have two (or more) adjacent (ornon-adjacent) thinner ILs (or similar or dissimilarproperties/materials) instead of one thicker IL. For example, two ILs of5 nm thickness may provide comparable scattering as a single thicker ILof, e.g., 20 nm.

IL1 and IL2 can be of different materials having different resistivityand crystal structure, for instance. They could also be of the samematerial, but may have different crystal structure or orientation ordifferent grain-size, that would scatter the charge carriersdifferently. As another example, one IL can be composed of afine-grained material or nanoparticles (that may be same or differentthan the other IL).

If RSL1 and RSL2 are of different materials, and IL1 and IL2 are ofdifferent materials and/or types of materials, the optimal placement ofthe ILs with respect to the RSLs would be material-dependent.

One possible implementation uses a pn-junction with IL1 being n+Si andIL2 being p+Si. IL1 and IL2 can each have a thickness of at least 20 nm,for instance. Another possible combination uses a metal such as TiN forone of the ILs and n+or p+Si for another of the ILs. See FIG. 10C, forexample.

FIG. 6E depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A using arepeating RSL/IL pattern. The pattern or combination of an RSL and an ILis repeated at least twice. For example, RSL1 and a first IL (IL1) areprovided, in addition to RSL2 and a second IL (IL2). The third RSL(RSL3) is adjacent to E2. The RSLs can be of the same or differenttypes, and the ILs can be of the same or different types. An advantageof this embodiment is that multiple scattering layers can increase theamount of scattering/resistance in the path of the RSME. Additionally,the ability to use ILs and RSLs of different types provides anadditional capability to tailor the performance of the RSME.

It is possible that the three RSLs have a multitude of characteristics(all the same, two the same and one different, all different, etc.) Theuse of more than one IL together with dissimilar RSLs will change thecharacteristics of the RSME and provide additional functionality to tuneits performance.

When a voltage is applied across the RSME, it is divided across each RSLaccording to each RSLs resistance. In one possible implementation, twoof the RSLs have the same I-V characteristic, and the other RSL has adifferent I-V characteristic, so that the two RSLs are both in a lowresistance state when the other RSL is in a high resistance state, forinstance, or the two RSLs are both in a high resistance state when theother RSL is in a low resistance state. Other variations are possible.

FIG. 6F depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A whereeach layer of the RSME extends horizontally and one or more of thelayers are arranged end-to-end. Instead of a fully stacked (vertical)configuration, portions of the RSME are arranged laterally of (to theside of), or end-to-end with, other portions of the RSME. For example,E1, RSL1 and the IL are in one stack, while the RSL2 and E2 are inanother stack, and the RSL2 is arranged side-to-side with the IL.Referring to FIG. 6A, the BLC and AL1 can be provided above E1, and theSE, AL2 and WLC can be provided below E2. A non-conductive (NC) layercan be provided under the IL, in one possible approach, and arrangedside-to-side with E2. The portions/layers of the RSME are still arrangedserially. In another possible implementation, E2 is on the side of theRSL2 rather than under it, so that three portions (IL, RSL2 and E2) arearranged end-to-end. Other variations are possible. Having portions ofthe RSME extend end-to-end or otherwise laterally of one anotherprovides an additional capability to tailor the layout of the RSME. Forexample, the height of the RSME can be reduced. In one approach, the BLCand AL1 can be provided above E1, and the SE, AL2 and WLC can beprovided below E2.

FIG. 6G depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhere each layer of the RSME extends horizontally and one or more of thelayers are arranged end-to-end. Portions of the RSME are arrangedlaterally of, or end-to-end with, other portions of the RSME. RSL1, ILand RSL2 are in one stack, while E2, a non-conductive layer (NC) and E2are in another, adjacent stack. E1 is arranged at the side of RSL1,end-to-end, and E2 is arranged at the side of RSL2, end-to-end. Theportions can still be said to be arranged serially, e.g., in a serialpath of E1, RSL1, IL, RSL2, E2. In another option, E1 extends laterallyof and above RSL, for instance, and E2 extends laterally of and belowRSL. In one approach, the BLC and AL1 can be provided above E1, and theSE, AL2 and WLC can be provided below E2.

Generally, it can be said that at least one E1, E2, IL, RSL1 and RSL2can be arranged laterally, at least in part, of at least one other ofE1, E2, IL, RSL1 and RSL2.

In FIGS. 6F and 6G, the lateral arrangement is end-to-end. For instance,RSL1 is arranged laterally, end-to-end, with E1 and/or RSL2 is arrangedlaterally, end-to-end, with E2. Also, the IL is arranged laterally,end-to-end, with at least one of RSL1 and RSL2.

FIG. 6H depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhere each layer of the RSME extends vertically. Portions of the RSMEare arranged laterally of, or face-to-face with, other portions of theRSME. The BLC can be above, below or to the side of E1, while the WLC isabove, below or to the side of E2, for instance. The BLC and WLC are ina serial path with the RSME. Fabrication can involve n repeated cyclesof a layer deposition and a layer spacer etch, with a final CMP step.For example, the E1 layer can be deposited, as a horizontally extendinglayer, then etched to form the vertically extending portion shown. TheRSL1 layer can then be deposited, as a horizontally extending layer,then etched to form the vertically extending portion shown. This isrepeated for each of the IL, RSL2 and E2 portions. In one approach, theAL1 and BLC (FIG. 6A) extend vertically upward from E1 and the SE, AL2and WLC extend vertically downward from E2.

Two or more of the layers can be arranged laterally of one another,face-to-face. For example, RSL1, the IL and RSL2 can be each arrangedlaterally with one another, face-to-face. Also, E1, RSL1, the IL, RSL2and E2 can be each arranged laterally with one another, face-to-face.

The RSME portions of, e.g., FIGS. 6D-6H have a rectangularcross-section, compared to the L-shaped cross-section of FIG. 6I and theU-shaped cross-section of FIG. 6J.

FIG. 6I depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhich includes L-shaped portions for RSL1, IL, RSL2 and E2. For example,assume the cross-sectional view is in a vertical or horizontal planewith perpendicular axes x and y. In the x direction, E1 has a thicknesst1 x, RSL1 has a thickness t2 x, IL has a thickness t3 x, RSL2 has athickness t4 x and E2 has a thickness t5 x. In the y direction, E1 has athickness t1 y, RSL1 has a thickness t2 y, IL has a thickness t3 y, RSL2has a thickness toy and E2 has a thickness t5 y. The x-directionthickness can be the same or different than the correspondingy-direction thickness for each portion. The order of the layers could bereversed so that they extend in the order E2, RSL2, IL, RSL1, E1 insteadof E1, RSL1, IL, RSL2, E2. The BLC can be above, below or to the side ofE1, while the WLC is above, below or to the side of E2, for instance.The BLC and WLC are in a serial path with the RSME. By providingL-shaped portions, conductive filaments can form in a set process of theRSME, where the filaments extend in both x- and y-directions. Sincethere is a relatively large area over which filaments an extend, theircreation is potentially facilitated. The implementation pictured can berotated by 90 or 180 degrees as well.

In this approach, portions of the layers are arranged laterally of oneanother, similar to the concept of FIGS. 6F-6H, but the layers are innested L-shapes, having two portions extending at a right angle from oneanother. For example, the L-shaped RSL2 is nested within the L-shapedE2, the L-shaped IL is nested within the L-shaped RSL2, and the L-shapedRSL1 is nested within the L-shaped IL. E1 is nested within the L-shapedRSL1 but is not itself L-shaped in this example. Each portion can be thesame or different in one or more dimensions.

Here, it can be said that at least one E1, E2, IL, RSL1 and RSL2 isarranged laterally, at least in part, of at least one other of E1, E2,IL, RSL1 and RSL2.

FIG. 6J depicts another example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6Awhich includes U-shaped portions for RSL1, IL, RSL2 and E2. For example,assume the cross-sectional view is in a vertical or horizontal planewith perpendicular axes x and y. In the x direction, E1 has a thicknesst1 x, RSL1 has thickness t2 xa and t2 xb, IL has thickness t3 xa and t3xb, RSL2 has thickness t4 xa and t4 xb, and E2 has thicknesses t5 xa andt5 xb. In the y direction, E1 has a thickness t1 y, RSL1 has a thicknesst2 y, IL has a thickness t3 y, RSL2 has a thickness toy, and E2 has athickness t5 y. The xa thicknesses can be the same or different than thecorresponding xb thicknesses. Also, the xy thicknesses can be the sameor different than the corresponding xa and/or xb thicknesses. The orderof the layers could be reversed so that they extend in the order E2,RSL2, IL, RSL1, E1 instead of E1, RSL1, IL, RSL2, E2. The BLC can beabove, below or to the side of E1, while the WLC is above, below or tothe side of E2, for instance. The BLC and WLC are in a serial path withthe RSME. By providing U-shaped portions, conductive filaments can formin a set process of the RSME, where the filaments extend in thex-direction on either side of E1 and in the y-direction. Theimplementation pictured can be rotated by 90 or 180 degrees as well.

In this approach, portions of the layers are arranged laterally of oneanother, similar to the concept of FIGS. 6F-6H, but the layers are innested U-shapes, having two parallel portions extending at a right angleto a base portion. For example, the U-shaped RSL2 is nested within theU-shaped E2, the U-shaped IL is nested within the U-shaped RSL2, and theU-shaped RSL1 is nested within the U-shaped IL. E1 is nested within theU-shaped RSL1 but is not itself U-shaped in this example. Each portioncan be the same or different in one or more dimensions.

Generally, any of the vertical stack embodiments can be adapted to an L-or U-shaped embodiment.

Here, it can be said that at least one E1, E2, IL, RSL1 and RSL2 isarranged laterally, at least in part, of at least one other of E1, E2,IL, RSL1 and RSL2.

FIG. 6K1 depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A whichuses one RSL and one breakdown layer, below the RSL. RSL1 is used asdiscussed previously, but a breakdown layer is used between the IL andE2 in place of a RSL2. The breakdown layer is a material which does nothave a resistance-switching behavior, and can provide a baffle layerbetween the IL and E2. A material with a resistance-switching behaviorcan typically be switched repeatedly between starting and endingresistance states. In contrast, a breakdown material is a material whichhas been broken down by the application of a relatively high voltageand/or current from an initial state, with an associated I-Vcharacteristic, to a breakdown state, with another associated I-Vcharacteristic, and generally can transition only once from the initialstate to the breakdown state. A resistance-switching material can beconsidered to be a many-times programmable material while a breakdownmaterial can be considered to be a one-time programmable material. Here,programmable can include having the ability to change a resistancestate. Although a resistance-switching material can be paired with afuse or antifuse to form a one-time programmable, theresistance-switching material itself remains many-times programmable. Aone-time programmable material is useful, e.g., in setting a uniqueidentifier for a chip, or setting operating parameters such as a clockor voltage parameter.

Example materials for the breakdown layer (and an associated range ofresistivity ρ for some examples before breakdown, in the initial state)include: SiN (ρ=1014Ω-cm for Si3N4 at 25 C), SiO2 (ρ=1014-1016Ω-cm at 25C), SiC (ρ=102-106Ω-cm), SiCN, SiON or any layer which can be brokendown, e.g., changed from a higher resistance, generally non-conductivestate to a lower resistance, conductive state, but is not generallyknown as a reversible resistance-switching material itself. Thebreakdown layer can be a material which maintains a resistance of atleast about 1-10 MΩ while being conductive in the breakdown state. Theresistance in the initial state is typically one or more orders ofmagnitude higher than in the breakdown state. If the resistance of thelayer is too low, it is less effective as a protective layer. Theresistance of the breakdown layer material is R=ρl/A. where l is thelength of the material and A is the cross-sectional area. The length isthe breakdown layer thickness. Knowing ρ and R, size of the material canbe chosen using A and l.

The breakdown layer can be a one-time-programmable breakdown layer. Sucha breakdown layer can be considered to be a non-switchable breakdownlayer or a one-time switchable breakdown layer because the breakdownprocess is irreversible. That is, once the breakdown layer is brokendown from the starting non-conductive state, the breakdown layer remainsin the broken down state and cannot return to the starting state. Incontrast, in some cases, a unipolar or bipolar cell can be operated in aone-time-programmable mode but is usually not physically broken downwhile maintaining a resistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while beingconductive.

One or more RSLs can be configured in a breakdown state such as byapplying a relatively high voltage or current to the RSL. For example,an applied voltage may be significantly higher than the thresholdvoltage of the material. The breakdown process may be due in part tothermal effects. See FIGS. 6K2 and 6K3 for further details.

FIG. 6K2 is a graph showing a transition from an initial state to abreakdown state for a breakdown layer. The transition can be achieved byapplying a current or voltage across the breakdown layer for a period oftime which can be extended, e.g., several minutes. At a time tb, acurrent through the breakdown layer increases step-wise (since theresistance decreases step wise) when a breakdown event occurs. In somecases, multiple breakdown events can occur. For an applied voltage, thevoltage applied across the RSME will be divided across the breakdownlayer and RSL1 in proportion to their respective resistances. RSL1 canbe configured in a low resistance state so that essentially all of thevoltage is applied across the breakdown layer.

FIG. 6K3 is a graph showing an I-V characteristic of a breakdown layerin an initial state (solid line) and in a breakdown state (dashed line).For a given voltage, the current is higher (and the resistance is lower)in the breakdown state. An RSME in which a breakdown layer is in theinitial state can be distinguished from an RSME in which the breakdownlayer is in the breakdown state, so that a bit of data can be storedaccording to the state of the breakdown layer. The RSL can further bemodulated between two states to store a bit of data. By applyingappropriate read voltages, the states of the breakdown layer and RSL canbe determined.

FIG. 6L depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A whichuses one reversible RSL (RSL1) and one breakdown RSL, above RSL1. Thisis an alternative to the configuration of FIG. 6K1.

FIG. 6M depicts an example implementation of the RSME of FIG. 6A, inwhich the resistance-switching layers (RSLs) are of different types.RSL1 and RSL2 can be made of different types of material which havedifferent switching characteristics, such as to allow more than one bitof data to be stored by the RSME. Example materials for RSL1 and RSL2include: TiO2, NiOx, HfSiON, HfOx, ZrO2 and ZrSiON.

FIG. 7A depicts an example implementation of the steering element (SE)of the memory cell FIG. 6A as a Si diode. The SE is a Si diode having ann−type region, an intrinsic (i) region and a p−type region. Asmentioned, a SE selectively limits the voltage across, and/or thecurrent flow through, the RSME. The SE allows a memory cell to bewritten to, and/or read from, without affecting the state of othermemory cells in an array.

FIG. 7B depicts an example implementation of the steering element (SE)of the memory cell of FIG. 6A as a punch-through diode. Thepunch-through diode includes an n+region, p−region and n+region. Apunch-through diode is operable in both directions. In particular, apunch-through diode allows bipolar operation of a cross-point memoryarray, and may have a symmetrical non-linear current/voltagerelationship. The punch-through diode has a high current at high biasfor selected cells and a low leakage current at low bias for unselectedcells. Therefore, it is compatible with bipolar switching in cross-pointmemory arrays having resistive switching elements. The punch-throughdiode may be a n+/p−/n+device or a p+/n−/p+device.

While example implementations involving a memory cell having a diode asa steering element are provided, the techniques provided herein aregenerally applicable to other devices and steering elements, including atransistor, a punch-through transistor, a punch-through diode, a PNdiode, NP diode, a PIN diode, Zener diode, an NPN diode, PNP diode, aSchottky diode, an MIN diode, a carbon silicone diode, a transistorlayout and so forth.

In another approach, the steering element could be a transistor, such asa bipolar or CMOS transistor.

Moreover, in some configurations a steering element need not be used.

FIG. 8 depicts an example implementation of the memory cell of FIG. 6Aconnected between a bit line and a word line. The bit line contact (BLC)is W or NiSi, the first adhesive layer (AL1) is TiN, the first electrode(E1) is n+Si, the RSL1 is MeOx, such as HfO2, the IL is TiN, RSL2 isMeOx such as HfO2, an additional adhesive layer (AL) is provided for theSi diode which is the steering element (SE), the second adhesive layer(AL2) is TiN and the word line contact (WLC) is W or NiSi. Additionally,one or more cap layers can be provided using a material selected fromthe group consisting of TiOx, Al2O3, ZrOx, LaOx and YOx. Generally, thecap layer can be a metal oxide. In this example, the cap layers areadjacent to the IL and the RSLs. Specifically, one cap layer (Cap1) isbetween RSL1 and IL, as well as adjacent to each of RSL1 and IL, andanother cap layer (Cap2) is between IL and RSL2, as well as adjacent toIL and RSL2. A cap layer may serve as a source or getter of oxygen, froma perspective of the MeOx, which facilitates switching in an RSL. Whenacting as a getter of oxygen, the cap layer can assist in providingoxygen to an IL/electrode from an MeOx RSL, for instance. When acting asa source of oxygen, the cap layer can assist in providing oxygen to anMeOx RSL from an IL/electrode, for instance. A getter is a location inwhich a material such as oxygen is moved to. Gettering is a process inwhich the material such as oxygen is moved to the getter location. Thegetter location is an alternative location where the oxygen will preferto reside due to the oxygen being in a lower energy state.

The RSME is made up of the layers extending from E1 to E2. In an exampleimplementation, E1 and E2 each have a thickness or height of about 1-3nm, or about 1-10 nm, for instance, and the IL may have a thickness orheight of about 1-5 nm, or about 1-10 nm, for instance. Thus, theoverall thickness of the RSME can be very small.

FIG. 9A depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in which E1 is madeof Co, CoSi, n+Si, p+Si or p+SiC, and E2 is made of n+Si. The order oflayers, from top to bottom, is: E1, RSL1, Cap1, IL, Cap2, RSL2, E2. TheRSME also includes a RSL1 such as MeOx, an IL such as TiN, a RSL2 suchas MeOx, and a second electrode (E2) such as n+Si. Additionally, caplayers such as TiOx are provided between RSL1 and IL (Cap1), and betweenIL and RSL2 (Cap2). This embodiment can provide an asymmetric structurewhen E1 and E2 are made of different materials. For example, E1 made ofCobalt (Co) is desirable because it has a relatively high work functionof about −5 eV, which is close to the work function of Ni, and canresult in better switching. This is due to a higher barrier height whichcan be a benefit of having a high work function. In another approach, E1made of Cobalt Silicon (CoSi) is also desirable because it also has arelatively high work function. In another approach, E1 is made of n+Si(polysilicon), which provides the benefit of a high work function (about4.1 to 4.15 eV) as well as being oxidation-resistant. Other suitablematerials include p+Si (polysilicon), having a work function of about5.1 to 5.2 eV, and p+Silicon Carbide (SiC), with a very high workfunction of about 6.6 to 6.9 eV due to a high energy gap. See FIG. 9C.For example, the energy gap is about 3.23 eV for the (4H polytype), andabout 3.05 eV for the 6H alpha polytype. These energy gaps aresignificantly higher than that of Si, for instance, for which the energygap is about 1.1 eV.

In one embodiment, p+SiC can be deposited and then doped, e.g. by ionimplantation, by a dopant such as B, Al, Be or Ga, for instance, to aconcentration of about 10E19 to 10E20 atoms per cubic centimeter. Thisis an example of in situ doping. SiC is inert chemically and thereforeresistant to oxidation. It practically does not melt due to asublimation temperature of 2700 C, and has a high thermal conductivityof 3.6 to 4.9 W/(cm*K) (compared to 1.49 W(cm*K) for Si) which may bebeneficial for memory cell operation due to high current densities.

FIG. 9B depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in which E1 and theIL are made of p+SiC, and E2 is made of n+Si, n+SiC or p+SiC. The orderof layers, from top to bottom, is: E1 (e.g., p+SiC), RSL1, IL (e.g.,p+SiC), RSL2, E2. The high work function of E1 and the IL may contributeto cell current reduction, where the IL serves as a scattering layer.Moreover, by modulating the doping of the IL, it is possible to modulatethe layer resistance to increase scattering and to reduce current. Withincreased doping, the IL is less resistive, so that there is lessdepletion width and less voltage drop on the depletion layer.

Furthermore, E2 can be made of n+Si, n+SiC or p+SiC. When E2 is made ofn+SiC, there is a thinner SiO2 layer formed between E2 and RSL2 duringfabrication. Operating voltages are reduced since a voltage drop acrossa SiO2 layer is avoided. In contrast, in the case of an n+Si bottomelectrode, a thicker SiO2 layer may be formed between E2 and RSL2. E2can be made of p+SiC as an alternative to n+SiC. RSL1 and RSL2 can beMeOx, for instance.

In one approach, the IL can be made of nano-particles such as byproviding the IL as a nanocrystalline SiC film. See, e.g., W. Yu et al.,discussed below.

FIG. 9C is a diagram depicting the Fermi level of p+SiC relative toother materials. It was mentioned above that p+SiC has a very high workfunction of about 6.6 to 6.9 eV due to a high energy gap. To illustratethis fact, an energy diagram is provided for 4H—SiC which depicts theenergy level in a vacuum (Evacuum), the energy level for the conductanceband (Ec), the intrinsic energy level (Ei) and the energy level for thevalence band (Ev). The diagram is from T. Ayalew, Dissertation, “SiCSemiconductor Devices Technology, Modeling And Simulation,” Institutefor Microelectronics, Vienna, Austria, January 2004, incorporated hereinby reference. Other example materials and their Fermi levels are alsodepicted: Al (4.28 eV), Ti, Zn (4.33 eV), W (4.55 eV), Mo (4.60 eV), Cu(4.65 eV), Ni (5.10 eV), Au (5.15 eV) and Pt (5.65 eV). As mentioned,p+SiC has a relatively high work function. In particular, the Fermilevel will be close to the valence band energy level.

In practice, undoped SiC has a work function of about 4.5-4.8 eV, orabout 4.9 eV if covered with oxygen. However, for p+SiC, the Fermi levelwill be closer to the valence band, so that the work function is higher.Depending on level of p+doping and the SiC poly type (energy band gapEg=3.23-3.26 eV for 4H—SiC or Eg=3.05 eV for 6H—SiC), the work functionqφM can be about 6.6-6.9 eV as shown.

The SiC can be applied by deposition at an appropriate temperature whichis not excessively high. Various techniques are available for relativelylow temperature deposition. For example, deposition at 750° C. has beendescribed in I. Golecki et al., “Single-crystalline, epitaxial cubic SiCfilms grown on (100) Si at 750° C. by chemical vapor deposition,”Applied Physics Letter, vol. 60, issue 14, pp. 1703-1705, April 1992,incorporated herein by reference. In this approach, SiC films were grownby low-pressure chemical vapor deposition, using methylsilane (SiCH3H3),a single precursor with a Si:C ratio of 1:1, and H2.

In another example approach, SiC has been deposited at low temperaturesusing molecular beam epitaxy, such as described in A. Fissel et al.“Low-temperature growth of SiC thin films on Si and 6H—SiC bysolid-source molecular beam epitaxy,” Applied Physics Letter, vol. 66,issue 23, pp. 3182-3184, June 1995, incorporated herein by reference.This approach involved epitaxial growth of stoichiometric SiC on Si(111)and 2°-5° off-oriented 6H—SiC(0001) substrates at low temperatures ofabout 800-1000° C. using solid-source molecular beam epitaxy controlledby a quadrupole mass spectrometry based flux meter. The films wereobtained on Si-stabilized surfaces showing (3×3) and (2×2)superstructures in the case of SiC(0001). The reflection high-energydiffraction (RHEED) patterns and damped RHEED-oscillations during thegrowth on 6H—SiC(0001) at T>900° C. indicate that two-dimensionalnucleation on terraces is the dominant growth process.

Another example low temperature approach for depositing SiC is describedin W. Yu et al., “Low temperature deposition of hydrogenatednanocrystalline SiC films by helicon wave plasma enhanced chemical vapordeposition,” J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 28 (5), American Vacuum Society, p.1234-1239, Sep. 3, 2010, incorporated herein by reference. Here,hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon carbide (nc-SiC:H) films weredeposited by using helicon wave plasma enhanced chemical vapordeposition technique at low substrate temperature. The influences ofradio frequency (rf) power and substrate temperature on the propertiesof the deposited nc-SiC:H films were investigated. It was found thathydrogenated amorphous SiC films were fabricated at a low rf power,while the nc-SiC:H films with a microstructure of SiC nanocrystalsembedded in amorphous counterpart could be deposited when the rf poweris 400 W or more. The plasma transition from the capacitive dominateddischarge to the helicon wave discharge with high plasma intensityinfluences the film microstructure and surface morphology. The analysisof the films deposited at various substrate temperatures reveals thatthe onset of SiC crystallization occurs at the substrate temperature aslow as 150° C.

FIG. 10A depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C describingalternative IL materials. The order of layers, from top to bottom, is:E1 (e.g., TiN), E1 (e.g., n+Si), RSL1 (e.g., MeOx), cap1 (e.g., TiOx),IL (e.g., TiN), cap2 (e.g., TiOx), RSL2 (e.g., MeOx), E2 (e.g., n+Si).In one implementation, E1 includes a combination of a TiN layer above ann+Si layer. Additionally, cap layers such as TiOx are provided betweenRSL1 and IL, and between IL and RSL2. A further Ti contact (not shown)can be above E1. As an alternative, the IL can be selected from thegroup consisting of Al, Zr, La, Y, Ti, TiAlN, TixNy and TiAl alloy.These are favorable coupling layers that can enable lower V and I celloperation. This embodiment provides a mirror structure with respect tothe IL since a cap layer, an RSL and an electrode extend from both sidesof the IL, in the same order and optionally of the same material (e.g.,same cap layer material, e.g., TiOx, above and below the IL, followed bythe same RSL material, e.g., MeOx, above and below the IL, followed bythe same electrode material, e.g., n+Si above and below the IL).

FIG. 10B depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an inverted,mirror stack configuration. The order of layers, from top to bottom, is:E1 (e.g., TiN), cap1 (e.g., TiOx), RSL1 (e.g., MeOx), IL (e.g., n+Si),RSL2 (e.g., MeOx), cap2 (e.g., TiOx), E2 (e.g., TiN). In one approach,E1 is made of TiN, the IL is made of n+Si and E2 is made of TiN. The ILlayer can be n+Si with a 10-100 nm thickness, for instance. Thisembodiment is an inverted mirror configuration which provides aninverted stack, relative to the embodiment of FIG. 10A, since the n+Silayer is now the IL rather than the E1 or E2 layer, and the cap layer isbetween the RSL and electrode layers (cap1 between RSL1 and E1; cap2between RSL2 and E2) instead of between the RSL and IL. Specifically, anRSL, a cap layer and an electrode extend from both sides of the IL, inthe same order and optionally of the same material (e.g., same RSLmaterial, e.g., MeOx, above and below the IL, followed by the same caplayer material, e.g., TiOx, above and below the IL, followed by the sameelectrode material, e.g., TiN above and below the IL).

FIG. 10C depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an asymmetric,upright stack configuration. The order of layers, from top to bottom,is: E1 (e.g., TiN), cap1 (e.g., TiOx), RSL1 (e.g., MeOx), IL (e.g.,n+Si), IL (e.g., TiN), cap2 (e.g., TiOx), RSL2 (e.g., MeOx), E2 (e.g.,n+Si). In one approach, the IL is a combination of a layer of n+Si(e.g., 10-100 nm thickness) above a layer of TiN. Cap layers such asTiOx are provided above and adjacent to the MeOx layers. For instance,cap1 is above and adjacent to RSL1, and cap2 is above and adjacent toRSL2. The configuration is asymmetric and in an upright stack, with alllayers arranged vertically. A mirror configuration is not used. Theconfiguration is asymmetric because the layers which extend above the IL(n+Si) include RSL1 followed by cap1, while the layers which extendbelow the IL (TiN) include cap2 followed by RSL2. The configuration isupright because cap1 is above RSL1 and cap2 is above RSL2.

FIG. 10D depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6A in an asymmetric,inverted stack configuration. The order of layers, from top to bottom,is: E1 (e.g., TiN), E1 (e.g., n+Si), RSL1 (e.g., MeOx), cap1 (e.g.,TiOx), IL (e.g., TiN), IL (e.g., n+Si), RSL2 (e.g., MeOx), cap2 (e.g.,TiOx), E2 (e.g., TiN). A mirror configuration is not used. Theconfiguration is asymmetric because, above the ILs, a cap is followed byan RSL, but below the ILs, an RSL is followed by a cap. Theconfiguration is inverted relative to the embodiment of FIG. 10C, sincethe n+Si layer is now the E1 layer rather than the E2 layer, and the TiNlayer is now the E2 layer rather than the lower E1 layer. The IL layercan be a combination of n+Si with a 10-100 nm thickness, for instance,and TiN, in a manner reverse to that of FIG. 10C.

Other embodiments of the IL use one or more of metals such as a metalselected from the group consisting of TiAlN, WN, W, NiSi, CoSi and C.

FIG. 11A depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C showing the growthof SiOx when E2 is n+Si. The order of layers, from top to bottom, is: E1(e.g., n+Si), RSL1 (e.g., MeOx), cap1 (e.g., TiOx), IL (e.g., TiN), cap2(e.g., TiOx), RSL2 (e.g., MeOx), SiOx, E2 (e.g., n+Si). There can be alarge variation of forming voltage in the RSLs due to thicknessvariations of a SiOx layer which forms between RSL2 and E2 when E2 ismade of Si and RSL2 comprises a metal oxide. For example, when RSL2 ismetal oxide and is deposited directly on, and is in contact with an E2which contains n+Si, a top portion of the n+Si layer is oxidized,resulting in a layer of SiOx. In an example implementation, a 1-2 nmlayer of SiOx may form between RSL2 and E2, where the RSLs each are madeof 2-4 nm of a MeOx such as HfO2 and E2 is made of n+Si. Alternatively,E1 and/or E2 can be made of p+Si, tungsten nitride (e.g., WN, WN2,N2W3), TiN or SiGe.

FIG. 11B depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C showing the growthof a low band gap material such as TiOx when E2 is TiN. The order oflayers, from top to bottom, is: E1 (e.g., n+Si), RSL1 (e.g., MeOx), cap1(e.g., TiOx), IL (e.g., TiN), cap2 (e.g., TiOx), RSL2 (e.g., MeOx),Ti/TiOx, E2 (e.g., TiN). To prevent SiOx formation, we can replace then+Si layer of E2 with a material such as Ti deposited on a TiNelectrode. The Ti layer can be considered to be part of the electrode.Specifically, during the deposition of a MeOx layer (RSL2) such as HfOxabove the Ti layer, a top portion of the Ti layer (˜1-5 nm) is oxidizedand is converted to a layer of TiOx. The thickness of the TiOx layerdepends on the temperature of the MeOx deposition. In this case, thesecond electrode (E2) comprises a layer of Ti on a layer of TiN, thesecond resistance-switching layer (RSL2) comprises MeOx, and a layer ofTiOx is formed on the layer of Ti, and is in contact with the secondresistance-switching layer.

The band gap of Ti/TiOx is much lower than that of SiOx, so largevariations in the forming voltage can be avoided. E1 can be n+Si or ahigh work function material such as Ni or NiSi. In an exampleimplementation, the RSLs each are made of 2-4 nm of a MeOx such as HfO2.

Furthermore, a high work function material can be used for E1 to reduceoperating current. For example, Ni with a work function of 5.1 eV may beused. NiSi is another alternative. In comparison, the work function of aTiN is about 4.2-4.7 eV, and the work function of n+Si is about 4.1-4.3eV.

FIG. 11C depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in which the RSLsare made of a doped metal oxide to reduce operating voltage. The orderof layers, from top to bottom, is: E1 (e.g., n+Si), RSL1 (e.g., dopedMeOx), cap1 (e.g., TiOx), IL (e.g., TiN), cap2 (e.g., TiOx), RSL2 (e.g.,doped MeOx), SiOx, E2 (e.g., n+Si). For example, a heavily doped MeOxlayer such as HfOx or HfSiON can be used. Doping of the MeOx can beachieved by implanting or diffusing a dopant such as Ti, Al or Zr intothe MeOx layer at a concentration of about 0.01-5%. Test resultsindicate that these dopants provide good properties. Ion implantation orin-situ atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be used, for instance. In anexample implementation, the RSLs each are made of 2-4 nm of a MeOx suchas HfO2 and a 1-2 nm layer of SiOx is formed on E2, which is n+Si.

FIG. 11D depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 11C in which E2 isTiN instead of n+Si. The order of layers, from top to bottom, is: E1(e.g., n+Si), RSL1 (e.g., doped MeOx), cap1 (e.g., TiOx), IL (e.g.,TiN), cap2 (e.g., TiOx), RSL2 (e.g., doped MeOx), Ti/TiOx, E2 (e.g.,TiN). In an example implementation, the RSLs each are made of 2-4 nm ofa MeOx such as HfO2 and a layer of Ti/TiOx is formed on E2.

FIG. 11E depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an asymmetricmirror cell configuration, where the RSLs are made of differentmaterials. The order of layers, from top to bottom, is: E1 (e.g., n+Si),RSL1 (e.g., type A MeOx), cap1 (e.g., TiOx), IL (e.g., TiN), cap2 (e.g.,TiOx), RSL2 (e.g., type B MeOx), SiOx, E2 (e.g., n+Si). It can beproblematic to have the RSME switched in both positive and negativedirections, so that it might be preferred to switch in a certainpolarity. One possible solution is to use different materials for RSL1and RSL2. For example, RSL1 can be of type “A” while RSL2 is of type“B”. For instance, two different types of MeOx could be used to controlswitching polarity, such that RSL1 is of MeOx type “A” while RSL2 is ofMeOx type “B”. Examples of MeOx include AlOx, TiOx, NiOx, ZrOx, CuOx,WOx, such that the RSL1 can use one of these materials and the RSL2 canuse another of these materials. The RSL materials can be selected toobtain a desired switching performance, where switching occurs atdesired conditions such as specified I-V conditions. E1 and E2 may bemade of n+Si or TiN, for example.

FIG. 11F depicts an embodiment of the RSME of FIG. 6C in an asymmetricmirror cell configuration which is SiOx-free. The order of layers, fromtop to bottom, is: E1 (e.g., n+Si), RSL1 (e.g., type A MeOx), cap1(e.g., TiOx), IL (e.g., TiN), cap2 (e.g., TiOx), RSL2 (e.g., type BMeOx), Ti/TiOx, E2 (e.g., TiN). In this case, the second electrode (E2)is a material such as TiN instead of n+Si so that there is no SiO2 layeris formed during fabrication. As discussed in connection with FIG. 11B,Ti is deposited on a TiN electrode and, during the deposition of a MeOxlayer such as HfOx above the Ti, a top portion of the Ti layer isoxidized, resulting in a layer of TiOx.

FIG. 12 depicts an energy diagram of the RSME of FIG. 6C. The horizontalaxis depicts a distance along the RSME, from E1 to E2, while thevertical axis denotes an energy level. Ec is the conductance band, whichranges from a high level of Ec2 at the junction between E1 and RSL1, toa low value of Ec1 at the junction between E2 and RSL2. EE1 is theenergy level of E1, EIL is the energy of the IL, and EE2 is the energylevel of E2. Ev is the valence band. A notch in the conductance bandrepresents a lower energy level which is realized at the IL, asdescribed below.

A MRS relies on ionic conductance as a switching mechanism. In ionicconductors, the current is transported by ions moving around, as well asby movement of electrons and holes. For example, electrical currenttransport via ions, or ions and electrons/holes, is found in conductingliquids called electrolytes, and ion conducting solids, also calledsolid electrolytes. Moreover, ionic conductivity is important for manyproducts, such as Type I and type II batteries (i.e., regular andrechargeable), fuel cells, electrochromic windows and displays, solidstate sensors, especially for reactive gases, conductive-bridgeswitching and bipolar MeOx switching as described herein.

In contrast to purely electronic current transport, there is a chemicalreaction (e.g., the system changes with time) tied to the current flowthat takes place wherever the ionic current is converted to anelectronic current, i.e., the contacts or electrodes. This is asignificant difference compared to current flow with electrons (orholes), where no chemical reaction is needed for current flow acrosscontacts. Bipolar MeOx switching tries to move oxygen vacancies in theMeOx to create a metallic filament, thereby storing the oxygen at theinterface. Electronic conduction can be provided by mechanismsincluding: Fowler-Nordheim, Schottky, Space Charge Limited Current(SCLC), SCLC and Poole-Frenkel (PF) together, PF and Hill's Law. Ionicconduction includes conductivity, diffusion and field types.

Typical ionic conductivity values are relatively low and are dependenton a supply of oxygen from air of an electrode, temperature and electricfield (exponentially).

FIG. 13 depicts application of a high electric field in a set process ofa RSL. This scanning electron microscope image depicts a left handelectrode (EL) of n+Si including a grown layer of SiO2, a RSL of HfO2and a right hand electrode (ER) of TiN. A high electric field can beapplied to move oxygen into a RSL of MeOx such as HfO2. Here, in anexample implementation, a high electric field is present in a region ofHfO2 which is 3-5 nm wide. Using the 5 nm value, the electric field istherefore 5 V/5 nm=10 MV/cm.

FIGS. 14A-14D depict different stages in the formation of a conductivefilament in a set process of a RSL. The normally occurring brake-down ofa single MeOX film is depicted. The left-hand electrode (EL) is set at 0V as a grounded electrode, the middle region represents a RSL such asHfO2, and the right-hand region represents a driven right-hand electrode(ER) at 5V, for instance. The 5 V is an approximation for the case thatthere is no current limiter (resistor). These figures indicate theexpected behavior of a RSME having two or more or such RSLs. Recallthat, in an RSME, the right hand electrode would receive a couplingvoltage and is not directly driven.

In a set or forming process, the RSL is initially non-conductive. Anopen or white circle denotes an oxygen ion, and a closed or black circledenotes metal. The high electric field couples to the negatively chargedoxygen ions, extracting the oxygen ions from the HfO2 and attractingthem to the ER. After the condition of FIG. 14A, the condition of FIG.14B exists in which some of the oxygen ions have been extracted andstored at the ER (as represented by the open circles at the ER), and theregion of the HfO2 from which the oxygen was extracted becomes metallic(as represented by the closed circles). This process continues so thatafter the condition of FIG. 14B, the condition of FIG. 14C is reached,in which additional oxygen ions have been extracted and stored at theintermediate electrode, and additional regions of the HfO2 from whichthe oxygen was extracted become metallic. Finally, after the conditionof FIG. 14C, the condition of FIG. 14D is reached, in which additionaloxygen ions have been extracted and stored at the ER, and a sufficientportion of the HfO2 from which the oxygen was extracted becomesmetallic, forming a conductive filament or path through the RSL as ashort circuit between the electrodes.

Thus, there is a transition from an off state, in which the RSL is in arelatively high resistance state, similar to an open (non-conductive)circuit, to an on state, in which the RSL is in a relatively lowresistance state, similar to a short (conductive) or closed circuit.

FIGS. 14E, 14F and 14G are energy diagrams which describe the setprocess stages of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14D, respectively. The y-axisdepicts energy and the x-axis depicts distance in the RSME. The peaksrepresent barriers to electron transport which are imposed by the oxygenin the HfO2. The peaks follow the conductance band Ec, which ranges fromEc1 to Ec2. The conductance band maintains this fixed range in FIGS.14E-14G. EEL is the energy of EL, and EER is the energy of ER. Also, anidealized case of linear band bending is depicted.

At the start of the process, the electric field (E) is at a startinglevel of 10 MV/cm (5 V/5 nm), assuming 5 V is applied across EL and ER,and that they are separated by 5 nm. A relatively small amount ofcurrent flows, as represented by the thin dotted arrow (FIG. 14E). Asthe process continues, oxygen is extracted from the RSL and replaced bya metallic region which is part of a growing filament. The metallicregion essentially becomes an extension of the Si electrode, so that theeffective distance between EL and ER decreases, e.g., from 5 nm to 4 nm,and the E field increases correspondingly to 12 MV/cm (5 V/4 nm). Due tothe higher field, a larger amount of current flows, as represented bythe thicker dotted arrow (FIG. 14F). Subsequently, additional oxygen isextracted from the HfO2 so that the filament grows and the effectivedistance between EL and ER decreases, e.g., from 4 nm to 1 nm, and the Efield increases to 50 MV/cm (5 V/1 nm) due to the exponentialrelationship between the field and the distance. Due to the even higherfield, an even larger amount of current flows as a ballistic current, asrepresented by the even thicker dotted arrow (FIG. 14G).

Note that the height of the first and last energy peaks is about thesame in FIGS. 14E-14G, but the presence of fewer peaks indicates a lowerbarrier to electron transport. The proposed RSME can thus advantageouslyavoid a ballistic current in a form and set process, by the currentlimiting effect of the IL layer.

FIGS. 15A-15C depict different stages in the removal of a conductivefilament in a reset process of a RSL.

FIGS. 15D, 15E and 15F are energy diagrams which describe the resetprocess stages of FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, respectively. The left-handregion represents a grounded electrode (EL), the middle regionrepresents a RSL such as HfO2, and the right-hand region represents adriven electrode (ER). The voltages and electrons depicted are anapproximation for the case where there is no current limiting effect ofthe IL. These figures indicate the expected behavior of a RSL. Recallthat a RSME consists of at least two RSLs in series, and in an RSME, theright hand electrode would receive a coupling voltage and is notdirectly driven and therefore the current flow is effectively reduced.

The reset process is substantially the reverse of the set process ofFIGS. 14A-14D. At the start of the reset process (FIGS. 15A and 15D),the E field is 50 MV/cm, and a relatively small number of oxygen ionsare returned to a portion of the HfO2 which is near the ER, breaking theshort circuit formed by the filament. A voltage of −5 V, for instance,is applied across the ER and EL, using an opposite polarity compared tothe set process. Thus, during reset, we might start at −5 V, forinstance. An effective distance over which the E field is applied is 1nm, for instance, resulting in an E field of 50 MV/cm. Subsequently, avoltage of −7 V is applied over a distance of 1.3 nm, resulting in an Efield of 53 MV/cm (FIGS. 15B and 15E). Subsequently, a voltage of −9 Vis applied over a distance of 1.6 nm, resulting in an E field of 56MV/cm (FIGS. 15C and 15F). This process is completely different in aRSME which can thus advantageously avoid the ballistic current in areset process.

With a bipolar MeOx switch, an ionic movement is provided in which ionsare removed from the RSL, so that the RSL becomes more metallic. This isa self-amplification effect because, as soon as we have removed one ion,removal of other ions accelerates because the field increases, and thedependence of the movement on the field is exponential. So if we haveremoved one ion, then the field has increased and the mobility of theions to move increases exponentially. So the device has a fasteravalanche effect. This explains the set and forming dependencies.

In addition to the ion movement, at the same time, the electrons canmove in the RSL by figuratively hopping over the energy peaks.Initially, only a small amount of electrons are flowing. But as soon asthe electric field is increased, more electrons can flow over the energypeaks and it is much easier for them to flow. Finally, we have a lot ofelectrons flowing ballistically towards the IL. However, this electronflow is undesirable because the electrons do not contribute to theswitching mechanism, which relies on the movement of individual ions. Inorder to move the ions, we need to build up a sufficient electric field.The associated electron flow is undesirable because if we have asteering element such as a diode in series with the RSL, the diode needsto be able to sustain the current from not only the small ion currentbut also from the larger electronic current.

Also, during the reset, the oxygen moves back to theresistance-switching element and, therefore, the effective distancebetween the IL and E1 or E2 increases again. An electric field isdeveloped which allows a lot of the electrons to flow.

The RSME structure allows an electric field to build up which issufficient to move ions a little bit, without flowing the electrons toomuch. The RSME essentially provides a bad conductor which does notconduct very many electrons. Also, the IL provides a barrier which stopsand reflects electrons. Together with the capacitive coupling effect, wecan therefore move the ions without having too much electronic currentflowing.

The RSME can be generally symmetric, having an IL between RSL1 and RSL2,so we can focus the switching mechanism at the IL, in between the RSLs.The IL allows the electric field to build up in the center of the deviceso that the ions will move in the RSLs but will not cross over the IL inthe middle region. The IL is a conductor, and is able to store oxygenions. The IL can be metallic, although it is possible that it is notmetallic. The IL could be very thin, and should be able to reflectand/or hold electrons so that they sit at the IL. The capacitance of theIL can be adjusted by varying its thickness. This can be especiallyimportant for scaled down devices.

A goal is to provide a RSME having an energy diagram such as depicted inFIG. 12, and which includes a potential step where the electrons arereflected but, nevertheless, there is an electric field built up. Asymmetric construction can be used, where RSL1 and RSL2 have the samethickness, or it is also possible to have different thicknesses for RSL1and RSL2. One RSL might be a little bit thicker than the other so thatwe can build up a field and not induce switching. This will result inshifting the band gap diagram as shown in FIG. 12 based on thethicknesses of RSL1 and RSL2. If the thicknesses of the RSLs are thesame, then their fields will behave the same, and they would switch withthe same electric field. On the other hand, by introducing an asymmetry,we can modulate only on one RSL, in which case the other RSL becomes abaffle layer without switching.

Regarding the ballistic current, this occurs because the distancebetween the IL and E1 or E2 is so short that there is no chance tointeract with the volume. In an electric conductor, an electron isaccelerated in an electric field and travels in an average mean freepath until it is scattered by an electron-to-electron,electron-to-phonon, electron-to-impurity or electron-to-interfacemechanism. A typical scattering mean free path is around 40 nm fortypical conductors such as silicon or copper. In a scaled memory device,the current is ballistic because our typical dimensions are muchsmaller, so that the electrons overshoot and get scattered deep insidethe electrode, and do not deliver energy to the switching region.

FIG. 16A depicts a set process for the RSME of FIG. 6A. At step 1600,the set process begins for a memory cell. In practice, a set or resetprocess can be performed concurrently for multiple memory cells in amemory device by applying appropriate voltages to the appropriate bitlines and word lines. At step 1602, a set voltage is applied across thefirst and second electrodes. The voltage is applied across the first andsecond electrodes of the resistance-switching memory cell via a steeringelement which is in series with the resistance-switching memory cell.

The set voltage can have a desired waveform such as a fixed amplitudepulse or pulses, ramp or staircase, for example. Thus, the voltage canbe a time-varying voltage signal, e.g., increasing in magnitude withtime. For a fixed amplitude pulse, the amplitude can be at or above alevel such as Vset (FIG. 4A), for instance. For a ramp or staircase, theset voltage can start at a level below Vset and increase to Vset orhigher. In one approach, the set voltage is applied blindly, for aspecified time period, without determining whether the set state wasactually achieved. In this case, the set voltage has a duration and/ormagnitude which is sufficient to achieve the set state for close to 100%of all memory cells based on a prior statistical analysis of the memorydevice.

In another approach, the state of the memory cell is monitored while theset voltage is applied, and the set voltage is removed when themonitoring indicates that the set state has been reached. Removing avoltage can mean allowing the first and second electrodes to float. Thisapproach is described further in, e.g., US 2010/0085794, titled “Set AndReset Detection Circuits For Reversible Resistance Switching MemoryMaterial,” published Apr. 8, 2010 and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,391,638, titled“Memory device for protecting memory cells during programming” issuedJun. 24, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

At step 1604, the voltage is coupled to the intermediate layer (IL), andthe IL scatters electrons which enter the IL from the RSLs. At step1606, one or more filaments form in the RSLs. See also FIGS. 14A-14D.The formation of the filaments can be proceed at different rates andcomplete at different times in the different RSLs. For example,referring to FIG. 4B, the set state will be reached first for the type“B” RSL when the set voltage reaches VsetB, and subsequently for thetype “A” RSL when the set voltage reaches VsetA. The set voltage issufficient to form a filament in each of the RSLs to provide aconductive path in the RSLs, thereby providing a conductive paththroughout the RSME and the memory cell. As a result, a low resistancestate is achieved in each of the RSLs and in the RSME. The lowresistance state of the RSME can be assigned to a first binary datastate, e.g., 0 or 1. At step 1608, the set voltage is removed and thememory cell, including the RSME, is discharged. Note that steps1602-1606 occur concurrently, at least in part.

Optionally, it is possible that only one of the RSLs completes the setprocess, or fewer than all the RSLs in the RSME, complete the setprocess.

FIG. 16B depicts a reset process for the RSME of FIG. 6A. At step 1620,the reset process begins for a memory cell. At step 1622, a resetvoltage (Vreset, see FIG. 4A) is applied across the first and secondelectrodes. The voltage is applied across the first and secondelectrodes of the resistance-switching memory cell via a steeringelement which is in series with the resistance-switching memory cell.The set voltage can have a desired waveform such as a fixed amplitudepulse, or a ramp. Thus, the voltage can be a time-varying voltagesignal, e.g., increasing in magnitude with time. As before, in oneapproach, the set voltage is applied blindly, without determiningwhether the set state was actually achieved. In this case, the resetvoltage has a duration and/or magnitude which is sufficient to achievethe reset state for close to 100% of all memory cells.

In another approach, the state of the memory cell is monitored while thereset voltage is applied, and the reset voltage is removed when themonitoring indicates that the reset state has been reached. Thisapproach is described further in US 2010/0085794 and U.S. Pat. No.7,391,638, mentioned above.

At step 1624, the voltage is coupled to the intermediate layer, and theIL scatters electrons which enter the IL from the RSLs. At step 1626,one or more filaments are removed or destroyed in the RSLs. See alsoFIGS. 15A-15C. The removal of the filaments can be proceed at differentrates and complete at different times in the different RSLs. Forexample, referring to FIG. 4B, the reset state will be reached first forthe type “B” RSL when the reset voltage reaches VresetB, andsubsequently for the type “A” RSL when the reset voltage reachesVresetA. The reset voltage is sufficient to remove filaments in each ofthe RSLs to remove a conductive path in the RSLs, thereby removing aconductive path through the RSME and the memory cell. As a result, ahigh resistance state is achieved in each of the RSLs and in the RSME.The high resistance state of the RSME can be assigned to a second binarydata state, e.g., 1 or 0, opposite the low resistance data state. Atstep 1628, the reset voltage is removed and the memory cell, includingthe RSME, is discharged. Note that steps 1622-1626 occur concurrently,at least in part.

Optionally, it is possible that only one of the RSLs completes the resetprocess, or fewer than all the RSLs in the RSME, complete the resetprocess.

The methods above can include applying a voltage across first and secondelectrodes of the resistance-switching memory cell to set a first datastate in the memory cell, where the voltage is capacitively coupled to aconductive intermediate layer electrically between, and in series with,the first and second electrodes, and the voltage causes a resistancestate to be switched in at least one of: (a) a firstresistance-switching layer which is electrically between, and in serieswith, the first electrode and the conductive intermediate layer, and (b)a second resistance-switching layer which is electrically between, andin series with, the second electrode and the conductive intermediatelayer, and removing the voltage to allow the resistance switching memorycell to discharge. The resistance-switching layers can be reversible orirreversible.

The methods above can also include changing a resistance state in aresistance-switching memory cell by the steps of: (a) increasing amagnitude of a time-varying voltage which is applied across theresistance-switching memory cell until a resistance state is switched inone of first and second resistance-switching layers of theresistance-switching memory cell, and (b) subsequently, furtherincreasing the magnitude of the time-varying voltage which is appliedacross the resistance-switching memory cell until a resistance state isswitched in another of the first and second resistance-switching layersof the resistance-switching memory cell. The switching of the resistancestate can be reversible or irreversible.

The methods above can also include applying a voltage across first andsecond control lines, where the first control line is connected to oneend of a resistance-switching memory cell, the second control line isconnected to a steering element which is in series with theresistance-switching memory cell, and the voltage is applied acrossfirst and second resistance-switching layers of the resistance-switchingmemory cell, and across a conductive intermediate layer which is betweenthe first and second resistance-switching layers, and removing thevoltage to allow the resistance switching memory cell to discharge. Theresistance-switching layers can be reversible or irreversible.

Accordingly, it can be seen that, in one embodiment, aresistance-switching memory cell comprises first and second electrodes;a conductive intermediate layer electrically between, and in serieswith, the first and second electrodes; a first resistance-switchinglayer electrically between, and in series with, the first electrode andthe conductive intermediate layer; and a second resistance-switchinglayer electrically between, and in series with, the second electrode andthe conductive intermediate layer, the first and secondresistance-switching layers both have a bipolar switching characteristicor both have a unipolar switching characteristic.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory cell comprises adiode steering element; and a resistance-switching memory element inseries with the diode steering element, the resistance-switching memoryelement comprising: first and second electrodes; a conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer electrically between, and in serieswith, the first and second electrodes; a first resistance-switchinglayer electrically between, and in series with, the first electrode andthe conductive or semiconductive intermediate layer; and a secondresistance-switching layer electrically between, and in series with, thesecond electrode and the conductive or semiconductive intermediatelayer.

In another embodiment, a memory device comprises a memory arraycomprising a plurality of resistance-switching memory cells, eachresistance-switching memory cell comprising a steering element in serieswith a resistance-switching memory element, each resistance-switchingmemory element comprising an intermediate layer electrically betweenfirst and second resistance-switching layers; a plurality of word linesand bit lines; each resistance-switching memory cell having one end incommunication with a respective bit line of the plurality of bit lines,and another end in communication with a respective word line of theplurality of word lines; and control circuitry in communication with theplurality of word lines and bit lines, the control circuitry applies avoltage to at least one of the resistance-switching memory cells via therespective bit line and the word line thereof, to cause theresistance-switching memory element of the at least one of theresistance-switching memory cells to switch from one resistance state toanother resistance state.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory cell comprisesfirst and second electrodes; a conductive or semiconductive intermediatelayer electrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes; a first resistance-switching layer electrically between, andin series with, the first electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer; and a second resistance-switching layer electricallybetween, and in series with, the second electrode and the conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer, at least one of the first electrode,the second electrode, the conductive or semiconductive intermediatelayer, the first resistance-switching layer, and the secondresistance-switching layer is arranged laterally, at least in part, ofat least one other of the first electrode, the second electrode, theconductive or semiconductive intermediate layer, the firstresistance-switching layer, and the second resistance-switching layer.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory cell comprisesfirst and second electrodes; a conductive or semiconductive intermediatelayer electrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes a first resistance-switching layer electrically between, andin series with, the first electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer; and a second resistance-switching layer electricallybetween, and in series with, the second electrode and the conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer, the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer and the first and second resistance-switching layersare at least one of one L-shaped and U-shaped.

In another embodiment, a memory device comprises a memory arraycomprising a plurality of resistance-switching memory cells, eachresistance-switching memory cell comprising a steering element in serieswith a resistance-switching memory element, each resistance-switchingmemory element comprising an intermediate layer electrically betweenfirst and second resistance-switching layers, and first and secondelectrodes; for each resistance-switching memory cell: at least one ofthe first electrode, the second electrode, the conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer, the first resistance-switching layer,and the second resistance-switching layer is arranged laterally, atleast in part, of at least one other of the first electrode, the secondelectrode, the conductive or semiconductive intermediate layer, thefirst resistance-switching layer, and the second resistance-switchinglayer; a plurality of word lines and bit lines; eachresistance-switching memory cell having one end in communication with arespective bit line of the plurality of bit lines, and another end incommunication with a respective word line of the plurality of wordlines; and control circuitry in communication with the plurality of wordlines and bit lines, the control circuitry applies a voltage to at leastone of the resistance-switching memory cells via the respective bit lineand the word line thereof, to cause the resistance-switching memoryelement of the at least one of the resistance-switching memory cells toswitch from one resistance state to another resistance state.

In another embodiment, a method for changing a resistance state in aresistance-switching memory cell comprises applying a voltage acrossfirst and second electrodes of the resistance-switching memory cell toset a first data state in the memory cell, the voltage is capacitivelycoupled to a conductive or semiconductive intermediate layerelectrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes, the voltage causes a resistance state to be switched in atleast one of: (a) a first resistance-switching layer which iselectrically between, and in series with, the first electrode and theconductive or semiconductive intermediate layer, and (b) a secondresistance-switching layer which is electrically between, and in serieswith, the second electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer; and removing the voltage to allow the resistanceswitching memory cell to discharge.

In another embodiment, a method for changing a resistance state in aresistance-switching memory cell, comprises increasing a magnitude of atime-varying voltage which is applied across the resistance-switchingmemory cell until a resistance state is switched in one of first andsecond resistance-switching layers of the resistance-switching memorycell; and subsequently, further increasing the magnitude of thetime-varying voltage which is applied across the resistance-switchingmemory cell until a resistance state is switched in another of the firstand second resistance-switching layers of the resistance-switchingmemory cell.

In another embodiment, a method for changing a resistance state in aresistance-switching memory cell comprises applying a voltage acrossfirst and second control lines, the first control line is connected toone end of a resistance-switching memory cell, the second control lineis connected to a steering element which is in series with theresistance-switching memory cell, the voltage is applied across firstand second resistance-switching layers of the resistance-switchingmemory cell, and across a conductive or semiconductive intermediatelayer which is electrically between the first and secondresistance-switching layers; and removing the voltage to allow theresistance switching memory cell to discharge.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory cell comprises asteering element; and a resistance-switching memory element in serieswith the steering element, the resistance-switching memory elementcomprising: first and second electrodes; a conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes; a first resistance-switching layer between, and in serieswith, the first electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer; and a second resistance-switching layer between, andin series with, the second electrode and the conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory element comprisesfirst and second electrodes; a conductive or semiconductive intermediatelayer between, and in series with, the first and second electrodes; afirst resistance-switching layer between, and in series with, the firstelectrode and the conductive or semiconductive intermediate layer, thefirst resistance-switching layer comprising MeOx; a secondresistance-switching layer between, and in series with, the secondelectrode and the conductive or semiconductive intermediate layer, thesecond resistance-switching layer comprising MeOx; and a cap layer whichis between the conductive or semiconductive intermediate layer and thefirst electrode, the cap layer selected from the group consisting ofTiOx, Al2O3, ZrOx, LaOx, YOx, the cap layer acts as a source or getterof oxygen from a perspective of the first resistance-switching layer.

In another embodiment, a memory device comprises a memory arraycomprising a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell comprising asteering element in series with a resistance-switching memory element,each resistance-switching memory element comprising an intermediatelayer between first and second resistance-switching layers; a pluralityof word lines and bit lines; each memory cell having one end incommunication with a respective bit line of the plurality of bit lines,and another end in communication with a respective word line of theplurality of word lines; and control circuitry in communication with theplurality of word lines and bit lines, the control circuitry applies avoltage to at least one of the memory cells via the respective bit lineand the word line thereof, to cause the resistance-switching memoryelement of the at least one of the memory cells to switch from oneresistance state to another resistance state.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory cell comprisesfirst and second electrodes; a conductive intermediate layerelectrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes; a resistance-switching layer electrically between, and inseries with, the first electrode and the conductive intermediate layer;and a breakdown layer electrically between, and in series with, thesecond electrode and the conductive intermediate layer, the breakdownlayer maintains a resistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while in aconductive state.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory cell comprises asteering element; and a resistance-switching memory element in serieswith the steering element, the resistance-switching memory elementcomprising: first and second electrodes; a conductive intermediate layerelectrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes; a resistance-switching layer electrically between, and inseries with, the first electrode and the conductive intermediate layer;and a breakdown layer electrically between, and in series with, thesecond electrode and the conductive intermediate layer, the breakdownlayer maintains a resistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while in aconductive state.

In another embodiment, a resistance-switching memory cell comprises asteering element; and a resistance-switching memory element in serieswith the steering element. The resistance-switching memory elementcomprises: first and second electrodes; a conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer electrically between, and in series with, the firstand second electrodes; a resistance-switching layer electricallybetween, and in series with, the first electrode and the conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer; and a breakdown layer electricallybetween, and in series with, the second electrode and the conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer, the breakdown layer maintains aresistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductive state.

In another embodiment, a memory device comprises memory array comprisinga plurality of memory cells, each memory cell comprising a steeringelement in series with a resistance-switching memory element. Eachresistance-switching memory element comprises: first and secondelectrodes; a conductive or semiconductive intermediate layerelectrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes; a resistance-switching layer electrically between, and inseries with, the first electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer; and a breakdown layer electrically between, and inseries with, the second electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer, the breakdown layer maintains a resistance of atleast about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductive state. The memory device alsocomprises a plurality of word lines and bit lines; each memory cellhaving one end in communication with a respective bit line of theplurality of bit lines, and another end in communication with arespective word line of the plurality of word lines; and controlcircuitry in communication with the plurality of word lines and bitlines, the control circuitry applies a voltage to at least one of thememory cells via the respective bit line and the word line thereof, tocause the resistance-switching memory element of the at least one of thememory cells to switch from one resistance state to another resistancestate.

The foregoing detailed description of the technology herein has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching. The described embodiments were chosen to bestexplain the principles of the technology and its practical applicationto thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize thetechnology in various embodiments and with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the technology be defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. A resistance-switching memory cell, comprising: first and secondelectrodes; a conductive or semiconductive intermediate layerelectrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes; a resistance-switching layer electrically between, and inseries with, the first electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer; and a breakdown layer electrically between, and inseries with, the second electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer, the breakdown layer maintains a resistance of atleast about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductive state.
 2. Theresistance-switching memory cell of claim 1, wherein: the breakdownlayer is selected from the group consisting of SiN, SiO₂, SiC, SiCN andSiON.
 3. The resistance-switching memory cell of claim 1, wherein: thebreakdown layer has an I-V characteristic of a breakdown state.
 4. Theresistance-switching memory cell of claim 1, wherein: theresistance-switching layer comprises MeOx.
 5. The resistance-switchingmemory cell of claim 1, wherein: the breakdown layer is a one-timeprogrammable material; and the resistance-switching layer is amany-times programmable material.
 6. The resistance-switching memorycell of claim 1, further comprising: a steering element in series withthe first and second electrodes, the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer, the first resistance-switching layer and thebreakdown layer.
 7. The resistance-switching memory cell of claim 6,wherein: the steering element comprises a diode.
 8. Aresistance-switching memory cell, comprising: a steering element; and aresistance-switching memory element in series with the steering element,the resistance-switching memory element comprising: first and secondelectrodes; a conductive or semiconductive intermediate layerelectrically between, and in series with, the first and secondelectrodes; a resistance-switching layer electrically between, and inseries with, the first electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer; and a breakdown layer electrically between, and inseries with, the second electrode and the conductive or semiconductiveintermediate layer, the breakdown layer maintains a resistance of atleast about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductive state.
 9. Theresistance-switching memory cell of claim 8, wherein: the breakdownlayer is selected from the group consisting of SiN, SiO₂, SiC, SiCN andSiON.
 10. The resistance-switching memory cell of claim 8, wherein: thebreakdown layer has an I-V characteristic of a breakdown state.
 11. Theresistance-switching memory cell of claim 8, wherein: theresistance-switching layer comprises MeOx.
 12. The resistance-switchingmemory cell of claim 8, wherein: the breakdown layer is a one-timeprogrammable material; and the resistance-switching layer is amany-times programmable material.
 13. The resistance-switching memorycell of claim 8, wherein: the steering element comprises a diode.
 14. Amemory device, comprising: a memory array comprising a plurality ofmemory cells, each memory cell comprising a steering element in serieswith a resistance-switching memory element, each resistance-switchingmemory element comprising: first and second electrodes; a conductive orsemiconductive intermediate layer electrically between, and in serieswith, the first and second electrodes; a resistance-switching layerelectrically between, and in series with, the first electrode and theconductive or semiconductive intermediate layer; and a breakdown layerelectrically between, and in series with, the second electrode and theconductive or semiconductive intermediate layer, the breakdown layermaintains a resistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductivestate. a plurality of word lines and bit lines; each memory cell havingone end in communication with a respective bit line of the plurality ofbit lines, and another end in communication with a respective word lineof the plurality of word lines; and control circuitry in communicationwith the plurality of word lines and bit lines, the control circuitryapplies a voltage to at least one of the memory cells via the respectivebit line and the word line thereof, to cause the resistance-switchingmemory element of the at least one of the memory cells to switch fromone resistance state to another resistance state.
 15. The memory deviceof claim 14, wherein: each steering element comprises a diode.
 16. Thememory device of claim 14, wherein: the memory array is monolithicthree-dimensional array that includes multiple levels of memory cells,each memory level includes multiple memory cells in a cross-point array.17. The memory device of claim 14, wherein: the breakdown layer isselected from the group consisting of SiN, SiO₂, SiC, SiCN and SiON. 18.The memory device of claim 14, wherein: the breakdown layer is aone-time programmable material; and the resistance-switching layer is amany-times programmable material.
 19. The resistance-switching memorycell of claim 14, wherein: the breakdown layer has an I-V characteristicof a breakdown state.
 20. The resistance-switching memory cell of claim14, wherein: the resistance-switching layer comprises MeOx.